UFC Fight Night 271
Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Navajo Stirling faces former LFA champion Bruno Lopes in a striker vs grappler clash with title implications
Why This Fight Matters
UNDEFEATED MOMENTUM
Stirling is 8-0 with a perfect UFC record (4-0). A win here propels him toward the top 15 rankings
CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE
Lopes is a former LFA Light Heavyweight Champion with 14 pro wins and dangerous submission skills
REACH ADVANTAGE
Stirling's 79" reach vs Lopes' 74.5" — the Kiwi kickboxer can strike from outside the pocket
STYLE CLASH
Classic striker vs grappler — Stirling's kickboxing vs Lopes' brown belt BJJ and submission game
Physical Comparison
6'4"
Navajo Stirling
6'2"
Bruno Lopes
2-inch height advantage for Stirling
79"
Navajo Stirling
74.5"
Bruno Lopes
4.5-inch reach advantage for Stirling
206 lbs
Navajo Stirling
206 lbs
Bruno Lopes
Both at Light Heavyweight limit
Career Records
Navajo Stirling
Style: Kickboxer, Blue belt in BJJ
Bruno Lopes
Style: MMA, Brown belt BJJ, Muay Thai Black Belt
Style Matchup
Stirling: The Undefeated Kickboxer
- • Perfect 8-0 record (4-0 in UFC)
- • 4 KO wins — dangerous striking
- • 4 Decision wins — can go the distance
- • Former King in the Ring 8-man champion
- • WKBF World Kickboxing title holder
- • 2 first-round finishes
- • Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Strategy: Use reach, keep it standing, pick apart from range
Lopes: The Submission Hunter
- • Former LFA Light Heavyweight Champion
- • 5 submission wins (36% of victories)
- • 6 KO wins — can finish on feet too
- • Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- • Muay Thai Black Belt
- • 7 first-round finishes
- • Pro since 2013 — veteran experience
Strategy: Close distance, get to the ground, hunt submissions
Key Factors
Stirling Advantages
- • 4.5-inch reach advantage
- • 2-inch height advantage
- • Undefeated momentum (8-0)
- • Kickboxing pedigree
- • 10 years younger (28 vs 32)
- • 75% takedown defense
Lopes Advantages
- • 5 submission wins
- • Brown belt BJJ
- • More pro experience (16 fights)
- • Former champion pedigree
- • 100% takedown defense so far
- • Can finish anywhere
2026 AI Algorithm Prediction
Our advanced simulation engine analyzes this UFC Fight Night 271 light heavyweight bout. Stirling's reach and undefeated momentum vs Lopes' submission pedigree:
55%
Stirling
45%
Lopes
Stirling's 4.5" reach advantage and kickboxing edge vs Lopes' submission threat — a tactical battle that could end anywhere.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 271 FULL FIGHT CARD
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has better reach, Navajo Stirling or Bruno Lopes?
Navajo Stirling has a massive 4.5-inch reach advantage at 79 inches compared to Bruno Lopes' 74.5 inches. Stirling also has a 2-inch height advantage at 6'4" vs Lopes' 6'2".
What time is UFC Fight Night 271?
UFC Fight Night 271 typically starts with early prelims at 4:00 PM ET, followed by prelims at 6:00 PM ET, and the main card at 8:00 PM ET. The Stirling vs Lopes bout is scheduled for the main card. Check local listings for broadcast availability.
Is Navajo Stirling undefeated?
Yes, Navajo Stirling enters UFC Fight Night 271 with an undefeated record of 8-0-0. The 28-year-old New Zealand kickboxer has won all four of his UFC fights since his Octagon debut in December 2024.
Who does the AI predict to win at UFC Fight Night 271?
Our 2026 AI Algorithm predicts a 55/45 split in favor of Navajo Stirling at UFC Fight Night 271. The prediction favors Stirling's reach advantage, undefeated momentum, and kickboxing pedigree over Lopes' submission threat and experience.