Navajo Stirling Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Height, Nationality, Career, UFC Record, Ethnicity, Parents, Net Worth, Family

adminMarch 29, 2026

Navajo Stirling is an undefeated rising star in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Originally from Upper Hutt, New Zealand, he is a core member of the world-renowned City Kickboxing (CKB) gym in Auckland. Training alongside champions like Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, Stirling is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects to emerge from the Oceania region in recent years.

Before transitioning to MMA, Stirling established himself as an elite striker, winning the prestigious “King in the Ring” 8-man kickboxing tournament twice and holding the WKBF World Kickboxing title. His fighting style is defined by his massive 6’4″ frame and 79-inch reach, which he uses to dictate distance with a technical, stoic composure that has earned him comparisons to his teammate Israel Adesanya.

Since making his UFC debut in late 2024 via Dana White’s Contender Series, Stirling has remained perfect in the Octagon. Just yesterday, on March 28, 2026, he secured a major milestone at UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer in Seattle, defeating Bruno Lopes via a second-round TKO. This victory was particularly significant as it was his first finish in the UFC, following a string of three consecutive unanimous decision wins against Rodolfo Bellato, Ivan Erslan, and Tuco Tokkos.

Currently holding an unblemished professional record of 9-0, Stirling is rapidly climbing the rankings. Beyond his physical skills, he is known for his stoic personality and a deep sense of heritage; he is a descendant of the 28th Māori Battalion and often speaks about using his platform to inspire others from his community to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances.

Navajo Stirling Biography: Profile Summary

Category	Details
Full Name	Navajo Stirling
Date of Birth	November 7, 1997
Age	28 Years Old (as of 2026)
Place of Birth	Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
Nationality	New Zealander
Ethnicity	Māori (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui)
Height	6’4″ (193 cm)
Weight	205 lbs (93 kg)
Division	Light Heavyweight
Gym	City Kickboxing (CKB)
Pro MMA Record	9-0-0
Net Worth	Estimated $350,000 – $500,000

Age, Height, and Physical Attributes

As of March 2026, Navajo Stirling is 28 years old, having been born on November 7, 1997. He possesses a quintessential frame for the light heavyweight division, standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall. This height is complemented by a massive 79-inch reach, which allows him to keep opponents at the end of his clinical jabs and long-range kicks—a signature of the CKB fighting system. He consistently competes at the 205-pound (93 kg) limit, maintaining a lean, athletic physique that balances explosive power with the cardio necessary for five-round wars.

Nationality and Ethnicity

Navajo Stirling is a proud New Zealander. His ethnicity is deeply rooted in his Māori heritage, specifically identifying with the Te Whānau-ā-Apanui iwi. He often speaks about his “whakapapa” (lineage) and the influence of his ancestors on his fighting career. Notably, he is a descendant of a soldier from the 28th Māori Battalion, a legendary unit that fought in World War II.

Early Life, Parents, and Family Background

Born and raised in Upper Hutt, Wellington, Navajo Stirling grew up in a blue-collar, modest environment. He has described his early years as being somewhat “lost” and without a clear direction. Stirling did not come from a family of professional fighters; he once remarked that he didn’t have an uncle or a close relative who fought. His household was grounded in hard work, and before finding fame in the cage, Stirling worked as a picker packer in a warehouse, stacking cartons and wrapping orders to make ends meet.

Family remains a cornerstone of his life. His brother also shared an interest in fitness and worked as a trainer at The Y (formerly YMCA) in Lynfield. This familial support helped Navajo stay grounded even as his career began to skyrocket. Moving from Wellington to Auckland was a pivotal family-supported decision that allowed him to join City Kickboxing and chase his UFC aspirations.

Education and Professional Beginnings

While specific details regarding his formal university education are private, Stirling’s “fighting education” began at the age of 19. He discovered the UFC almost by accident while watching a Conor McGregor fight at a co-worker’s house. Inspired by the spectacle and the skill, he decided to dedicate his life to combat sports. He began training with a singular focus, imitating the techniques of his hero, Israel Adesanya, by watching YouTube videos before eventually earning the right to train alongside him.

Kickboxing Career: The “King in the Ring” Legacy

Before MMA fans knew his name, Navajo Stirling was a terror in the Australasian kickboxing circuit.

Two-Time King in the Ring Champion: He won the prestigious 8-man “King in the Ring” tournament twice, conquering both the Heavyweight and Super Cruiserweight brackets.
WKBF World Title: He secured the WKBF World Kickboxing title, cementing his status as one of the best strikers in the region. His kickboxing background provided the foundation for his “stoic” and “technical” approach, characterized by high-volume striking and incredible defensive awareness.

MMA Career: The Road to the UFC

Stirling’s transition to MMA was seamless. He honed his grappling and wrestling at City Kickboxing, evolving into a well-rounded martial artist.

Regional Dominance: He captured titles in regional promotions such as Shuriken MMA and Hex Fight Series.
Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS): In September 2024, Stirling appeared on Season 8 of DWCS. He delivered a spectacular second-round knockout of Phillip Latu, instantly earning a UFC contract and praise from Dana White for his composure.

UFC Record and Major Achievements

Navajo Stirling’s UFC tenure has been defined by steady progression and dominance. As of late March 2026, his record stands at 9-0 overall (4-0 in the UFC).

UFC Debut vs. Tuco Tokkos (Dec 2024): A dominant unanimous decision victory in Tampa, Florida.
UFC 315 vs. Ivan Erslan (May 2025): A technical masterclass where he outstruck the veteran, winning by unanimous decision.
UFC Fight Night vs. Rodolfo Bellato (Sept 2025): Another clinical performance that saw him climb the rankings via a unanimous decision.
UFC Fight Night vs. Bruno Lopes (March 28, 2026): Stirling’s most recent outing in Seattle, where he secured his first UFC finish—a devastating second-round TKO.

Net Worth and Earnings

Navajo Stirling’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000. While he is still on his “prospect” contract, his earnings have seen a significant boost from UFC show/win purses, sponsorship deals with brands like Sky Sport, and his growing presence as a content creator. His background in social media marketing and “personal branding” has helped him secure income outside of just fight purses.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Off the mat, Navajo Stirling is known for his laid-back and creative personality.

Gaming & Streaming: He is an avid gamer and frequently streams on platforms like TikTok and Twitch.
Content Creation: Stirling is passionate about vlogging and making creative content, often documenting his training camps and travels.
Community Work: He previously worked as a basketball coach at The Y Lynfield, where he was a popular figure among the youth. He continues to use his platform to speak on mental resilience and Māori empowerment.

Conclusion

Navajo Stirling is no longer just a “prospect”; he is a legitimate contender in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. With a perfect 9-0 record and the backing of one of the world’s elite gyms, his trajectory points toward a top-10 ranking by the end of 2026. By combining his warrior lineage with a modern, business-savvy approach to his career, Stirling has become a beacon of inspiration for New Zealanders and combat sports fans worldwide.