UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena - Undefeated Navajo Stirling Takes on Ivan Erslan

Witness light heavyweight action on the preliminary card of UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena this Saturday, May 10, 2025, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling steps into the octagon against the experienced Croatian striker Ivan Erslan. Both fighters are looking to climb the ranks in the 205-pound division.

Fighter Backgrounds

Navajo Stirling

Navajo Stirling (6-0-0), representing City Kickboxing in New Zealand, is an undefeated light heavyweight prospect who has quickly made a name for himself with his finishing ability. With four of his six wins coming via (T)KO, Stirling possesses significant power and looks to maintain his perfect record in the UFC.

Ivan Erslan

Ivan Erslan (14-4-0), fighting out of American Top Team in Croatia, is an experienced light heavyweight with a high number of knockout victories. Erslan has secured ten of his fourteen wins via (T)KO, showcasing his dangerous striking. He is looking to rebound from his recent loss and secure a win against a rising prospect.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Navajo Stirling

• Undefeated Momentum: Stirling brings the confidence and momentum of a perfect 6-0 professional record.
• Knockout Power: Possesses significant power in his hands, capable of finishing opponents with strikes.
• Reach Advantage: Has a 79" reach compared to Erslan's 72.5", which can be a significant factor in striking exchanges.
• Orthodox Stance: Fights from an orthodox stance.

Ivan Erslan

• Extensive Knockout Power: Erslan has a remarkable 10 TKO/KO victories on his record, highlighting his ability to end fights with strikes.
• Experience: With 18 professional fights, Erslan has faced a variety of opponents throughout his career.
• Orthodox Stance: Fights from an orthodox stance.

Recent Performances

Navajo Stirling

Stirling is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Tuco Tokkos in December 2024, showcasing his ability to go the distance. Prior to that, he earned his UFC contract with a second-round TKO victory over Phil Latu on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2024 and secured knockout wins in regional promotions earlier in 2024.

Ivan Erslan

Erslan is looking to rebound from a split decision loss to Ion Cutelaba in September 2024. Prior to that, he secured a first-round TKO victory over Bogdan Gnidko in February 2024 in KSW but suffered a first-round TKO loss to Rafal Haratyk in October 2023.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Navajo Stirling	-290
Ivan Erslan	+235

Navajo Stirling is the significant betting favorite in this light heavyweight preliminary bout with odds of -290, while Ivan Erslan is the underdog at +235.

Keys to Victory

Navajo Stirling

• Utilize Reach Advantage: Stirling should use his significant reach to control the distance and land strikes while staying out of Erslan's range.
• Maintain Undefeated Composure: Handling the pressure of facing a dangerous veteran and sticking to his game plan will be crucial.
• Land Power Shots: Stirling has knockout power and should look to capitalize on any openings Erslan presents.

Ivan Erslan

• Close the Distance Effectively: Erslan needs to find ways to get inside Stirling's reach and land his powerful strikes.
• Be Wary of Stirling's Momentum: Erslan needs to avoid being overwhelmed by Stirling's undefeated aura and aggressive start.
• Capitalize on Any Mistakes: Stirling is still relatively inexperienced in the UFC, and Erslan needs to be ready to exploit any mistakes.

Prediction