Prediction: Navajo Stirling via Decision
On paper, Stirling is the slicker striker by a mile. At range, his accuracy and timing are just on another level compared to Bellato. He’s sharp, efficient, and it’s clear he’s been putting in the work to round out his game beyond just being “the striker.” He’s undefeated for a reason—even when he’s slowed down in fights, he’s bitten down on the mouthpiece and gutted it out. That kind of resilience matters, especially when you’re fighting someone who won’t go away.
But here’s the thing: Bellato’s style is built to test that exact resilience. The guy can eat punishment and keep walking forward like nothing happened. He fights at a crazy high pace, brings pressure that Stirling hasn’t really dealt with before, and he’s not just doing it on the feet. He’s got the grappling edge too. If Stirling doesn’t put him away early, Bellato is the type to snowball as the fight goes on, mixing in pressure striking with takedown attempts and forcing Stirling to constantly work. That kind of grind takes away the time and space Stirling needs to set up his shots.
Bottom Line, Stirling has the tools to win. His striking should look clean early, and if he can time Bellato coming in, an early finish is absolutely on the table. But if Bellato survives that, he’s going to drag Stirling into a fight that’s way messier than Stirling wants it to be. And that’s why, even though I think Stirling can get it done, you have to recognize Bellato has just as much chance to flip this fight in his favor. This is easily the toughest test of Stirling’s career, and betting it straight isn’t worth the squeeze when the fight could swing either way after the first round.