Navajo Stirling Ready To Show His Full Game Against Ion Cutelaba

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Navajo Stirling believes his upcoming UFC clash with Ion Cutelaba could be the fight where everything finally clicks.

Stirling returns to action at the UFC Apex against Cutelaba in a co-main event bout that shapes as a major test in his still-undefeated MMA career. While Stirling has continued winning, the New Zealander admits he has not always felt like he has shown the best version of himself inside the Octagon.

Speaking on the Australian MMA Podcast, Stirling said his early UFC run came with lessons, pressure and criticism, but also a clearer understanding of what needed to change.

Stirling Says He Has Fixed The Missing Piece

Stirling said some of his earlier UFC performances left him questioning whether the step up in level had exposed a gap in his game.

“I thought, man, is everyone just way fitter or something?” Stirling said.

“I was content in my head that this was just the level that I was competing at. But now I’ve just come to realise that I’d been working the wrong things a long time.”

According to Stirling, the issue was not his skill set, but the way his body was being prepared. He said he had spent too much time building size and strength, which eventually came at the expense of his conditioning and output.

“I was jacked,” Stirling said.

“I was really big. I put on too much size. The cut was the hardest cut I’ve done, and when I went in and fought I was just done.”

Stirling said the turning point came after a performance where he knew something was not quite right, despite still getting the job done.

“My skill set was what kept me surviving and kept me winning the fight,” he said.

A Leaner, Fitter And More Dangerous Version

After reassessing his preparation, Stirling says he has pulled his weight back down and focused on becoming more athletic, agile and efficient.

“I need to pull my weight back down and start to become a little more athletic,” Stirling said.

“I still feel strong as [anything], but I’m able to be stronger for longer.”

That change has given Stirling renewed confidence ahead of Cutelaba. He believes his skill progression is now being supported by the physical engine needed to maintain his best work across the fight.

“My skill progression is now playing in part with my physique,” Stirling said.

“I’m able to be there for better sequences. Then when it’s getting back to the feet, I’m just picking everyone off.”

Cutelaba Brings A Real Test

Cutelaba is one of the more experienced names Stirling has faced and brings a reputation for aggression, power and dangerous grappling exchanges.

Stirling said the key threat is Cutelaba’s Greco-Roman background, particularly his ability to create takedowns from upper-body clinch positions.

“He’s getting some real sneaky little foot trips and upper-body takedowns that are not very conventional in MMA,” Stirling said.

“For the bigger guys, it’s all about efficiency. Those little upper-body clinch takedowns and little foot trips, those are the ones you’ve got to look out for because they cost nothing.”

While Stirling respects the danger, he believes the path to victory is clear.

“I think it’s just stopping his momentum everywhere, on the feet and in the grappling,” he said.

“As the time goes and the rounds go longer, that’s just the better I get.”

Responding To Criticism

Stirling also addressed criticism around some of his decision wins and the lack of highlight-reel finishes during parts of his UFC run.

While he understands fans want big moments, Stirling said the criticism has sometimes ignored the fact he has continued to win.

“Even at my worst, I’m still beating these guys,” Stirling said.

“I’m winning every round. What are they talking about?”

Stirling said going through that period has helped him understand the fight game more clearly, especially when it comes to public perception.

He said he has learned from teammates such as Dan Hooker, who have experienced the highs and lows of fan opinion throughout their careers.

“Everyone’s going to be off you,” Stirling said.

“Then you go on a tear, and all of a sudden everyone acts like your best mate again.”

Chasing A Statement Finish

For Stirling, the Cutelaba fight is an opportunity to turn consistent winning into a true statement performance.

He believes the matchup may naturally create the openings he needs.

“I think this guy’s going to present the finish for me,” Stirling said.

“He’ll open himself up. It’s just not giving him the momentum right at the start, staying disciplined, and I think he’ll slow down.”

Stirling said he sees the finish coming late in the first round or early in the second.

He also believes a major performance at the UFC Apex could change the conversation around his rise.

“I’m looking to put on a performance of a lifetime,” Stirling said.

“I’m manifesting it. I see it in my head.”

A Different Side Of Stirling

The conversation also showed a lighter side of Stirling, with the unbeaten prospect opening up about his hair transplant, which he had done in Turkey after earning his UFC contract.

Stirling joked that plenty of other fighters have quietly reached out to him about the process.

“Everyone does, bro,” Stirling said.

“I’ve got so many messages of people hitting me up, or people will message me and be like, ‘you’re the one that inspired me to go get it done.’”

The honest discussion added some personality to the interview, but the central message remained clear: Stirling believes the hard lessons are behind him, his body is now responding the way it should, and the next step is to deliver the kind of performance fans have been waiting for.

The Opportunity Ahead

Against Cutelaba, Stirling has the chance to claim the biggest win of his career so far.

The matchup brings danger, experience and name value, but Stirling appears to welcome that pressure. After a period of adjustment, criticism and physical change, he believes he is now ready to show the full version of himself.

If he is right, this may be the fight where Navajo Stirling reminds everyone why he has long been viewed as one of the most exciting talents to come out of this part of the world.

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