"It's time to give the fans what they want, and that's knockouts. And I'm gunning for it. I'm coming for the bonus. I know my teammates are as well, but f*ck that. I'm coming for it bro. They're going to have to fight me for that bonus; I'm f*cking gunning for it. I'm coming for the knockout, and knocking the bro out for real. No more acting, this is going to be some real sh*t."
"I feel like fighting is just a way for these males to really hone in on their masculinity, and give their life purpose. I feel like if I can show the young Kiwis back home that this is a career path, for some of those that need to deal with all their aggression, then I feel that I'm doing it right now for my country."
Navajo Stirling is a New Zealand light heavyweight returning at UFC Perth to face Rodolfo Bellato. Stirling aims for fast finishes and is explicitly pursuing knockouts and performance bonuses. Stirling criticized Bellato's No Contest with Paul Craig as involving acting and playing up an injury and promised a genuine knockout. Stirling positions himself as an inspiration for Māori youth, arguing that fighting can provide purpose, channel aggression, and offer a viable career path for at-risk young men. Stirling recalled being jumped at 15 by gang members, calling that moment pivotal in recognizing his life’s value and motivating his fight career.
Read at Cageside Press
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