TLDR
- Navajo Stirling defeated Ion Cutelaba via second-round TKO at 3:23 at UFC Vegas 119
- The 28-year-old New Zealander improved to 10-0 in MMA and 5-0 in the UFC
- Stirling survived multiple takedowns and submission attempts before finishing Cutelaba
- After the win, Stirling called out Dustin Jacoby, Zhang Mingyang, Alonzo Menifield, and Modestas Bukauskas
- Stirling wants to return to the octagon in October for his next fight
Sources: ufc.com | nzherald.co.nz | cagesidepress.com
New Zealand light heavyweight Navajo Stirling remained undefeated in his mixed martial arts career with a second-round TKO victory over Ion Cutelaba at UFC Vegas 119 on June 20. The 28-year-old fighter improved to 10-0 in MMA and 5-0 in the UFC at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Stirling stopped Cutelaba at 3:23 of the second round after weathering significant adversity in the opening frame. The Moldovan veteran, who has competed in the UFC for the past decade, tested Stirling’s grappling defense early and often.
Cutelaba secured a guillotine choke attempt within the first 90 seconds of the fight. Stirling showed composure, defending multiple submission attempts throughout the round and working his way back to his feet each time.
Surviving Early Challenges
The first round was evenly matched as both fighters had their moments. Cutelaba used his wrestling experience to take Stirling down multiple times, but the New Zealander kept getting back up.
Stirling was able to land strikes when the fight remained standing. His patience and defensive skills allowed him to escape dangerous positions on the ground.
Making a name for himself 😤@NavajoStirling is continuing to prove he is the real deal!
[ #UFCVegas119 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/gmlDJQI90E
— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2026
The second round saw Cutelaba score another takedown midway through. However, he was unable to control Stirling on the mat.
As Stirling returned to his feet, Cutelaba remained seated against the cage with his back exposed. Stirling immediately unleashed a series of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight.
Looking Ahead to Future Opponents
“I told everyone that I was the next big thing,” Stirling said in his post-fight interview. “They all thought I was all s***, but they can come and fraud check these nuts because I am the f***ing real deal.”
Stirling explained his defensive strategy against Cutelaba’s grappling. “I can scramble my ass off. I do it all the time at the gym so I know, no matter what, I’m not afraid to get taken down because I’m going to get back up,” he said.
The fight represented a step up in competition for Stirling. Cutelaba has operated as a gatekeeper in the light heavyweight division, typically facing fighters looking to break into the rankings.
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Stirling called out several potential opponents after his victory. He mentioned Zhang Mingyang, Alonzo Menifield, Dustin Jacoby, and Modestas Bukauskas as possible next fights.
Speaking to media backstage, Stirling expressed particular interest in facing Jacoby. “I think out of those four, I feel like Jacoby would be a cool match-up,” he said.
Stirling cited Jacoby’s kickboxing background as an appealing challenge. “He was a GLORY kickboxer, he’s very tidy on the feet, completely different puzzle to solve compared to Ion, who’s just very aggressive, looking to get in your face,” Stirling explained.
The City Kickboxing fighter trains out of New Zealand and has now finished his last two UFC opponents. He hopes to return to the octagon in October for his next bout.
“Honestly the division’s all over the place. I don’t care who it is, I just want to fight,” Stirling said. “Those are the guys I’m thinking are around my level so we’ll see what the UFC want to do and what my team want to do but just know I want to get back in there.”
