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Navajo Stirling stole the show during the week five broadcast of the seventh season of Dana White's Contender Series with an emphatic knockout victory over Phillip Latu. Judging by his recent performance, the 26-year-old could potentially be the next star to rise from the City Kickboxing facility in Auckland, New Zealand.
Stirling took some time to get in the flow but slowly displayed the scope of his skills in the second frame. Midway through the round when the light heavyweight clashed in the center of the octagon, Stirling landed an overhand right and a left hook that landed flush on Latu's chin. He clocked the finish at the 2:21 mark of the second round and became one of three successful combatants who secured the UFC contract.
Check out the finish below (Credits: @SportsCenter on X and ESPN+):
Fans were impressed by Stirling's performance and took to X to react to the knockout. They wrote:
"This looks like [Kamala] Harris trouncing [Donald] Trump."
"And the control to let off before landing something unnecessary. This kid is for real!!! Let’s go City Kickboxing"
"Navajo Stirling's powerful left hook knocks opponent out cold, impressive finish at DWCS event!"
"Slept him with one swing… easy."
"Navajo Stirling just sent his opponent to dreamland."
Check out some of the reactions below:
![Fans react to Navajo Stirling's knockout win at DWCS [Images courtesy: @SportsCenter on X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/471b7-17260481581013-1920.jpg)
Dana White talks about Navajo Stirling's KO win over Phillip Latu
UFC CEO Dana White was impressed by Navajo Stirling's knockout win over Phillip Latu on the recent episode of DWCS season 8.
Speaking to Laura Sanko about Stirling's performance while announcing who earned the coveted UFC contract, White said:
"Stirling looked incredible. He’s a true light heavyweight, and he did impress me tonight. He was in there with a very tough guy who was mixing it up really well and he delivered tonight. I’m interested. I want to see what he can do in the UFC.”
Catch White's comments below (2:20):
With this win, Stirling improved his record to 5-0 with four finishes. He also claimed that he would like to make his UFC debut this year considering that he didn't take a lot of damage in the fight against Latu.
