Navajo Stirling replaces Guskov, faces Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade

Undefeated heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight Navajo Stirling will replace Bogdan Guskov against former champion Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1, the promotion announced Thursday.

Guskov was pulled from the matchup earlier this week to fill in for Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi later this month, per MMA Fighting. Blachowicz remains on the Belgrade card but will now face his first unranked opponent since he fought Nikita Krylov in 2018.

Stirling's perfect UFC run meets Blachowicz's career crossroads

Stirling, a City Kickboxing product, brings a 10-0 record into the bout. The rising prospect has won all five of his UFC appearances, most recently stopping Ion Cutelaba in the second round at UFC Vegas 119. Blachowicz holds a 29-11-2 record but has gone winless in his last four outings, the worst stretch of a career that includes UFC and KSW titles. The 43-year-old fought to a majority draw with Guskov at UFC 323 in December.

UFC Belgrade takes place at the Belgrade Arena with Uros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez headlining in a welterweight bout.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Rising prospect steps in against former champion in new UFC Belgrade co-main event