Preview: UFC 315 Prelims

Light Heavyweights

Navajo Stirling (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ivan Erslan (14-4, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Stirling (-298), Erslan (+240)

Stirling gets his next test, as the New Zealander continues his campaign as one of the light heavyweight division’s top prospects. Stirling is the type of standout athlete who almost always finds some level of success at 205 pounds, and he has come up through the ranks of City Kickboxing, learning the technical skills that should serve him well going forward. As a result, Stirling doesn’t try to overextend himself too much hunting for the finish, though his physical ability means he can usually end the fight once the opportunity presents itself. It was a mild surprise that he couldn’t find one of those openings against George Tokkos in his UFC debut in December, instead winning a slow-paced decision, but it was three rounds of solid work that should help Stirling going forward; and it’s nice to see him slow-played a bit in this assignment. Erslan was a solid signing by the UFC in 2024, albeit not the typical fighter the promotion signs outright off the regional scene and not as a late replacement. Erslan wasn’t a regional champion or a high-upside flier. Instead, he’s a solid veteran who put on some fun fights while falling short against his best opposition. Erslan has the type of knockout power that can test a prospect, but he has been frozen out of fights against opponents who can match his size and athleticism. That seems to set up in Stirling’s favor, as the Kiwi should once again be able to stay patient and coast out a win. The pick is Stirling via decision.

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Stirling vs. Erslan
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