Navajo Stirling, the 27-year-old New Zealander, announced his arrival in the UFC with an emphatic unanimous decision win over British opponent Tuco Tokkos at UFC on ESPN 63 in Florida. The fight showcased Stirling’s skill set as he controlled all three rounds, earning scores of 30-27 on each judge’s card.
The fight saw Stirling testing his striking and defensive grappling. Despite Tokkos securing a few takedowns, Stirling demonstrated poise, quickly returning to his feet to dominate the exchanges. Speaking after the fight:
“I thought he would open himself up more earlier in the fight. I was too eager for the knockout; I just felt him cover up, survive, and try to make it to the next round, says Stirling”
Stirling’s eight-centimetre reach advantage played a pivotal role in his strategy, allowing him to stay on the edge of his range while piling on the damage. He utilised a mix of body shots and leg kicks early in the fight, which visibly affected Tokkos and limited his mobility. Although there were moments in the first round when Stirling appeared close to finishing the fight, Tokkos managed to survive until the bell.
In the second round, Tokkos shifted to grappling, attempting multiple takedowns. While he succeeded in bringing Stirling to the mat briefly, the Kiwi consistently escaped and turned the tables. By the final round, Stirling had firmly established control, landing heavy strikes in the closing moments to leave a lasting impression on the judges and fans.
Reflecting on his performance, Stirling acknowledges his learning curve, with this being only his sixth professional bout. Despite his inexperience, he appeared comfortable in the octagon and capitalised on his advantages. His composed performance under pressure promises an exciting future in the UFC.
For fans and analysts alike, Stirling’s debut highlights his potential as a rising star in the sport. While he didn’t secure the finish he hoped for, Stirling’s comprehensive display marks an impressive start to his UFC journey.
To watch Sterling’s Post-Fight Interview, click here: https://www.ufc.com/video/144488
