UFC prospect Navajo Stirling reveals stance on fighting City Kickboxing teammates

Undefeated UFC prospect Navajo Stirling has shut down any speculation about fighting his City Kickboxing teammates, including reigning light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg and recent divisional addition Robert Whittaker. Stirling, who is 10-0, will face former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on August 1 in Serbia—a significant step up in competition that he accepted on short notice.

Whittaker, the former middleweight titleholder, recently transferred to the 205-pound division and trains at City Kickboxing alongside Stirling and Ulberg. Despite the crowded title picture at light heavyweight, Stirling believes the three teammates share an understanding that internal fights are off the table. "Rob and Carlos are the best training partners, best bunch of blokes to be around," Stirling told Full Send MMA. "I don't want to fight either of them. I think we are all on the same page."

The 28-year-old New Zealand fighter emphasized his youth as a key factor in his willingness to wait for bigger opportunities while supporting Ulberg's reign. Stirling believes his age gives him the luxury of time and wants to focus on helping his champion teammate consolidate his position rather than pursue short-term gains at teammates' expense. This stance reflects a broader trend among elite gyms where top prospects prioritize long-term gym loyalty over immediate title shots. A victory over Blachowicz would significantly accelerate Stirling's trajectory without forcing an awkward internal matchup.