UFC Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato – Fight Analysis & Prediction

Headline fight: Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato — Light Heavyweight matchup
Event: UFC Fight Night (Ulberg vs Reyes) — Sep 27, 2025 (RAC Arena, Perth)
Rounds: 3 × 5 minutes (non-title) — Light Heavyweight (205 lb)

Navajo Stirling is an unbeaten rising star out of New Zealand who faces Brazilian veteran Rodolfo “Trator” Bellato in a matchup that contrasts explosive power and finishing instincts with experience and submission craft.

This article breaks down styles, keys to victory, and matchup advantages and ends with a clear prediction.

Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato: Quick fighter snapshot

• Navajo Stirling — Record: 7-0 (high finishing rate, City Kickboxing product, strong kickboxing/Muay Thai base, long frame for light heavyweight at 6’4″, long reach). His UFC run shows a young athlete with fast striking growth and solid takedown defense.
• Rodolfo Bellato (“Trator”) — Record: 12-2-1 (experienced finisher with both KOs and submissions, orthodox stance, good clinch work, fights out of Brazil). Bellato brings a deeper pro ledger and multiple paths to victory.

Stylistic matchup — what to expect

1. Striking vs. Versatility
   Stirling’s base is striking-heavy: long kicks, distance management, and crisp combinations. He likes to use range and pace to set up power shots. Bellato mixes power striking with aggressive pressure and can finish both standing and on the ground.
2. Grappling and takedown threat
   Stirling prefers to keep fights standing and has improved takedown defense. Bellato, however, has submission victories and looks comfortable forcing clinch scrambles and ground exchanges.
3. Cardio and tempo
   Stirling tends to conserve energy and strike efficiently. Bellato often starts aggressively, hunting for early finishes, which can drain his gas tank if the fight goes long.

Keys to victory

• For Navajo Stirling
  • Use jab, kicks, and footwork to exploit reach advantage.
  • Counter Bellato’s forward pressure with clean strikes.
  • Avoid prolonged grappling exchanges and defend takedowns.
• For Rodolfo Bellato
  • Pressure forward and mix level changes to disrupt Stirling’s rhythm.
  • Pin Stirling against the cage, work clinch strikes, and threaten submissions.
  • Push the action early before Stirling establishes distance control.

Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato: Potential fight scenarios

• Stand-up war (Stirling control): Stirling uses reach and counters to land the cleaner, harder shots, possibly leading to a late stoppage or decision win.
• Inside pressure (Bellato control): Bellato forces clinch exchanges or takedowns, then works toward a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage.
• Wild early finish: Both fighters have knockout power, making the first round especially dangerous.

Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato: Prediction

Given Stirling’s unbeaten record, reach advantage, and striking skills, he has the tools to dictate range and pace.

Bellato, however, carries real danger with his finishing power and submission threat if he closes the distance.

Prediction: Navajo Stirling by unanimous decision or late TKO. Bellato’s best chance is an early finish, but if Stirling controls range, he should secure the win.

Final take

Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato showcases two contrasting trajectories: an undefeated prospect sharpening his striking against a seasoned, dangerous finisher.

If Stirling controls distance and avoids the clinch, he should win cleanly. If Bellato makes it a brawl, the upset is possible. Fans can expect a high-energy light heavyweight clash.

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