Navajo Stirling Lands Major UFC Test Against Jan Błachowicz

Navajo Stirling has been handed the biggest assignment of his UFC career, with the undefeated light heavyweight scheduled to face former champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC Belgrade.

The booking represents a significant step up for Stirling, who will enter the fight on a quick turnaround. Błachowicz brings championship experience and remains one of the division's most established competitors, giving Stirling an opportunity to make a major move in the light heavyweight picture.

Stirling's official UFC profile lists him at 10-0 with six knockout victories. The promotion's UFC Belgrade event page currently lists his fight with Błachowicz for the August card.

In the latest episode of Last Week Today, Australian MMA's Mitch Tinley discusses why this could be a defining opportunity for Stirling and explains what makes the match-up so compelling.

Watch the full Australian MMA news episode

The full episode covers Stirling's UFC opportunity alongside the latest results, fight announcements and stories from across Australian MMA.

VIDEO EMBED: https://youtu.be/1GjqRBSXSJY

Reece McLaren challenges for UAE Warriors gold

Reece McLaren is also preparing for a high-stakes assignment as he challenges undefeated champion Asaf Chopurov for the UAE Warriors bantamweight title at UAE Warriors 72 in Abu Dhabi.

McLaren has spent much of his career competing internationally and now has another opportunity to add a major championship to his record. The episode examines the importance of the contest and what a victory could mean for his remaining ambitions of reaching the UFC.

UAE Warriors has confirmed McLaren and Chopurov as the championship main event on its official social channels.

Steve Erceg returns against Ramazan Temirov

Perth flyweight Steve Erceg is set to meet Ramazan Temirov at UFC Abu Dhabi, with both fighters looking to strengthen their position in a competitive division.

Erceg has regained momentum and remains within reach of the leading names at flyweight. Tinley discusses the challenge presented by Temirov and why he continues to believe Erceg has the ability to return to championship contention.

The match-up is listed on the official UFC Abu Dhabi event page.

Results, injuries and Eternal MMA announcements

The latest Last Week Today also looks beyond the UFC, covering the weekend's action at Grow Strong Fight Series and Exile Fight Night.

Among the major local stories is the late cancellation of Exile's scheduled flyweight championship fight following a knee injury, as well as Cody Robinson's serious leg injury. The episode also covers Isaac Hardman's latest International Brawling Championship appearance and Stewart Nicoll's UFC result.

Several new Eternal MMA fights are also discussed, including match-ups announced for Eternal MMA 109 in Geelong and Eternal MMA 110 on the Gold Coast. The episode closes by highlighting a fundraiser supporting Kyle and Brody's family following their father's stage-four cancer diagnosis.

Watch the complete 14-minute episode above for the full Australian MMA news round-up, then subscribe to Australian MMA on YouTube for weekly news, exclusive interviews and fight coverage.

For more Australian MMA coverage, visit AustralianMMA.com.au.

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