Navajo Stirling: Israel Adesanya Said He's BETTER Than Him!
Episode Description
Navajo Stirling is a UFC light heavyweight fighter and one of the most exciting fighters coming out of New Zealand right now.
He is trained by the mixed martial arts guru Eugene Bereman at City Kickboxing in Auckland.
At the time of recording this intro, Navajo is in Seattle on a UFC lineup with Israel Adesanya…
Which is a really cool full circle moment- from the moment he decided he wanted to be a UFC fighter he followed the exact steps and blueprint created by Izzy.
This podcast is part of the Navajo Stirling story:
+ His upbringing in Upper Hutt…and only discovering the UFC while working at Foodstuffs and going to a co-worker’s house to watch a Connor MacGregor fight on TV.
+ What it actually takes to get to the UFC…the financial reality of it…and why so many people never make it.
+ His first time meeting and training his hero, Israel, after watching and imitating every single fight he had ever had on YouTube.
+ There’s also some great stuff in here about fighting itself: what it feels like to get hit, why he says everything slows down in the cage… and how he deals with pressure when he’s about to walk out.
And then there’s the bigger stuff: purpose, potential and his fear of becoming just another “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.”
If you are a fan of UFC, you will love the chat.
I think you will also enjoy it if you like learning about Kiwis who are out there chasing dreams and goals that seem impossible- its inspiring stuff.
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Brief Summary
Navajo Sterling shares his journey to the UFC, discussing training, mental resilience, and aspirations for the future.
Key points
- The Dream Realized. After years of hard work, he finally achieves his goal of entering the UFC.
- Facing Doubts. He reflects on the skepticism he faced from those around him.
- The Influence of a Role Model. Israel Adesanya's impact on his fighting style and career aspirations is profound.
- First Paycheck Joy. Receiving my first paycheck felt like becoming a rich man.
- Liberation Through Training. Training for kickboxing gave me a sense of freedom and purpose.
- The Fear Factor in MMA. He discusses how the unpredictability of MMA adds to the fear factor in fights.
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Episode highlights
- The Dream RealizedAfter years of hard work, he finally achieves his goal of entering the UFC.“I broke into tears and I just couldn't believe like, you know, I did it.”0:57Mar 24, 2026
- Facing DoubtsHe reflects on the skepticism he faced from those around him.“They never really believe like that you're going to do it.”14:31Mar 24, 2026
- The Influence of a Role ModelIsrael Adesanya's impact on his fighting style and career aspirations is profound.“He was part of the reason I got into it.”24:11Mar 24, 2026
- First Paycheck JoyReceiving my first paycheck felt like becoming a rich man.“I thought I was a rich man.”36:36Mar 24, 2026
- Liberation Through TrainingTraining for kickboxing gave me a sense of freedom and purpose.“I felt so liberated, bro.”41:16Mar 24, 2026
- The Fear Factor in MMAHe discusses how the unpredictability of MMA adds to the fear factor in fights.“Like you could be clearing a guy and still get chinned.”54:36Mar 24, 2026
- Relationship GrowthHe reflects on how his partner has helped him make better life choices.“She’s helping me a lot, you know, just become smarter.”59:53Mar 24, 2026
- First International FlightHe was shocked to be flown to the US for the first time, realizing his dreams were coming true.“I couldn’t believe it. I was like, oh [ __ ]!”1:13:06Mar 24, 2026
