Ivan Erslan vs Navajo Stirling — Fight recap

Navajo Stirling defeated Ivan Erslan by unanimous decision after three rounds on May 10, 2025, with referee Erick Philippeaux officiating. Stirling's superior output and control defined the bout, landing 110 significant strikes at 48% accuracy compared to Erslan's 36 of 100, while securing three takedowns at 60% efficiency to Erslan's zero successful attempts.

Stirling also accumulated 3:01 of control time against Erslan's 1:41, demonstrating dominance in the clinch and on the canvas. A knockdown in Stirling's favor further separated the scorecards.

Erslan's striking remained volume-dependent but lacked precision, particularly in the head (28 of 90), while his grappling proved ineffective with three failed takedown efforts. Stirling's balanced approach—mixing powerful leg strikes (30 of 38) with consistent head and body work—overwhelmed a fighter unable to establish either striking rhythm or wrestling pressure.

The decision positions Stirling as a rising threat in the division while signaling Erslan may need to reassess his tactical approach at this competitive level.