Navajo Stirling recalls fighter having mental breakdown before DWCS bout

Navajo Stirling has revealed a dramatic backstage moment from Dana White's Contender Series when fellow fighter Quemuel Ottoni suffered what appeared to be a mental breakdown minutes before his bout against Kody Steele. Stirling, who earned his own UFC contract via Contender Series knockout in 2024, witnessed the ordeal firsthand while sharing the locker room with the Brazilian.

According to Stirling (10–0), Ottoni (12–4) displayed aggressive confidence throughout fight week, posturing at weigh-ins and even directing hostile stares at other fighters, including Stirling himself. The fighter came across as eager and ready. When fight night arrived, however, Ottoni's demeanor shifted dramatically. Stirling recalled that Ottoni began crying backstage and repeatedly removed his gloves, forcing cutman Brad Tate to rewrap his hands multiple times before Tate ultimately refused to continue, frustrated by the fighter's apparent mental state. Ottoni never made it to the Octagon, and the bout was canceled.

Steel went on to secure his UFC contract in a subsequent Contender Series appearance. Both Tate and Steele have confirmed Stirling's account. Notably, Ottoni had previously achieved notoriety by submitting Alex Pereira in the UFC superstar's professional debut in 2015, yet their careers diverged sharply—Pereira ascended to become a two-division champion, while Ottoni remained stuck in the regional scene. He fought just once after the Contender Series incident, suffering a first-round technical knockout loss.

Meanwhile, Stirling has thrived, compiling five UFC victories while remaining undefeated (10–0). He is scheduled to face veteran Jan Blachowicz (29–11) on short notice at UFC Belgrade in Serbia on August 1.