Navajo Stirling wants to fight ‘one trick pony’ Khamzat Chimaev

Unbeaten light heavyweight Navajo Stirling has publicly challenged Khamzat Chimaev to move up to 205 pounds, confident he can expose what he views as significant gaps in the Swedish fighter's skillset.

Stirling's call-out comes in the wake of Chimaev's first professional loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May. The welterweight title fight was expected to be a dominant performance by the betting favorite, but Chimaev visibly gassed in the second round following a failed takedown attempt. He abandoned his wrestling strategy and was out-landed on the feet by Strickland, who secured a shocking split-decision upset.

"I think he's a bit of a one-trick pony," Stirling told Full Send MMA. "I would love to fight him. I want to test my theory against someone like that." The New Zealand fighter acknowledged that Chimaev would bring mainstream attention to the light heavyweight division, but emphasized his desire to prove that "Borz" lacks well-rounded striking and adaptability.

While UFC CEO Dana White reportedly discussed a move to light heavyweight with Chimaev immediately after his loss, the fighter has since repeatedly called for a rematch with Strickland. Stirling, who has compiled five UFC wins since his 2024 debut with two finishes, is currently scheduled to face Jan Blachowicz on short notice at UFC Belgrade on August 1. A potential Chimaev matchup at 205 pounds would represent a significant step up in opponent caliber for Stirling.