Navajo Stirling Favored Over Former Champion Jan Blachowicz in UFC Belgrade Bout
Navajo Stirling enters UFC Belgrade as a clear betting favorite over former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, with the market moving further toward the unbeaten New Zealander. The co-main event takes place August 1 at Belgrade Arena in Serbia, with Stirling facing the largest test of his UFC run.
Stirling opened around -200, with Blachowicz priced at +170. The line has since widened: Stirling is listed around -297 to -315, while Blachowicz sits from +245 to +258 with KA Gaming slots online and across other available markets. That pricing gives Stirling an implied chance in the low-to-mid 70 percent range.
Navajo Stirling vs. Jan Blachowicz
The total is set at 2.5 rounds, with the over favored at -180 and the under at +150. The movement suggests bettors have backed Stirling despite the fact that Blachowicz was initially a much closer underdog.
Stirling is 10-0 as a professional and has won five UFC bouts, including two consecutive knockouts entering this matchup. He owns six career knockout wins, and his UFC profile lists four knockout victories and two first-round finishes.
At 27, Stirling brings speed, volume and a steady rise through the division. He has shown he can go to decision, beating Tuco Tokkos and Ivan Erslan on the scorecards, while his finishes have given him an edge when opponents slow down or take risks.
Blachowicz, 43, has shared the cage with title-level names including Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev, Glover Teixeira and Aleksandar Rakic, so Stirling will be dealing with a different degree of physical strength, veteran craft and tactical adjustment than in his earlier UFC fights.
UFC Belgrade
The former champion has not won since his third-round TKO of Rakic in May 2022. His last four outings have produced two losses and two draws, though context is important: that stretch included Pereira, Ankalaev, Ulberg and Guskov.
For Blachowicz, the path is likely built around low kicks, patient counter punching and clinch control. He should benefit if he can make Stirling work against the fence, slow the pace and turn the contest into a technical fight after the opening round. His experience in five-round title fights is not directly relevant to this three-round booking, but it speaks to his composure under pressure.
Stirling has the age, form and momentum advantages, while Blachowicz is 43 and has gone winless since 2022. Still, Blachowicz has been durable against elite opposition and has enough tactical range to avoid an early collapse. A disciplined Stirling should edge the striking exchanges, win minutes with activity and leave Belgrade with a decision win.
