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Veteran light heavyweight Jan Blachowicz will face undefeated newcomer Navajo Stirling in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 283 in Belgrade on August 1. Stirling (10-0), a 28-year-old from New Zealand training at City Kickboxing, stepped in on late notice after Blachowicz's originally scheduled opponent, Bogdan Guskov, was reassigned to face Magomed Ankalaev due to Khalil Rountree's injury.

Blachowicz was preparing for a rematch with Guskov following their majority draw at UFC 323 in December, where Guskov landed a knockdown and a 10-8 round but could not secure a win. The former Polish champion has endured a difficult stretch since 2022, when he last earned a victory over Aleksandar Rakic. He has since fought to multiple draws, including a split decision against Ankalaev in a title fight, and struggled in recent outings.

Stirling arrives as one of the UFC's most promising rising contenders. Since joining the promotion at the end of 2024, the unbeaten lightweight has compiled five wins, beginning with three consecutive decisions over George Tokkos, Ivan Erslan, and Rodolfo Bellato to establish himself as a prospect. He then notched knockout victories over Bruno Lopes in March and Ion Cutelaba in June, cementing his status as a rising force in the division. His bout with Blachowicz in Belgrade represents a significant step up in competition as Stirling continues his undefeated run.