UFC Fight Night 260: The Unbeaten Prospect vs. The Resilient Veteran – Stirling vs. Bellato Showdown in Perth

Perth, Australia, is once again gearing up to host a night of high-octane mixed martial arts as UFC Fight Night 260 takes center stage. While the main event often captures the lion`s share of attention, savvy fans know that true gems frequently lie hidden deeper within the fight card. One such contest poised to deliver significant action and career-altering consequences is the light heavyweight clash between New Zealand`s undefeated Navajo Stirling and Brazil`s tenacious Rodolfo Bellato.

This bout, though part of the undercard, represents a classic narrative: the ascendant, flawless record against the experienced, resilient competitor looking to make a statement. It`s a fight that, despite its position, carries the weight of future title aspirations and professional validation.

The Contenders: A Clash of Trajectories

On one side, we have Navajo Stirling, a fighter who has yet to taste defeat in his professional MMA career, boasting an immaculate 7-0 record. His last outing saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Ivan Erslan, a testament to his composure and technical prowess under pressure. Stirling embodies the `new breed` – athletic, well-rounded, and seemingly unstoppable. Each win adds another layer to the mystique of his perfect record, making him a compelling figure to watch in the notoriously brutal light heavyweight division.

Opposite him stands Rodolfo Bellato, a Brazilian with a respectable 12-2 record, plus a recent `no-contest` decision against Paul Craig due to an illegal upkick. Bellato is no stranger to the Octagon, bringing a wealth of experience that can often be the crucial equalizer against an undefeated run. His record speaks of power and determination, and he will undoubtedly be looking to erase the memory of his last official bout by inflicting Stirling`s first professional loss. This isn`t just a fight for Bellato; it`s an opportunity for redemption and a clear path back to contention.

Stakes are High: What This Fight Means

For Navajo Stirling, this fight is a crucial test of his undefeated status. Maintaining a perfect record in the UFC is an immense challenge, and every opponent from here on out will be aiming to be the first to crack it. A victory here solidifies his position as a legitimate prospect and likely propels him towards higher-ranked opponents and potentially, a main card slot in the near future. The pressure of perfection, however, is a heavy cloak to wear.

Rodolfo Bellato, conversely, is fighting for relevance and momentum. A win over an undefeated fighter like Stirling would be a significant feather in his cap, proving he can still compete at the highest level and shake off the lingering questions from his `no-contest.` For the veteran, it`s about demonstrating that experience and grit can still outmaneuver youthful exuberance.

In the unpredictable world of MMA, these contrasting narratives often converge to create the most compelling clashes. The stakes are not merely about a win or loss on a record, but about shaping the trajectory of careers within the brutal hierarchy of the UFC.

Decoding the Action: Betting Odds and Fight Dynamics

The betting markets have clearly sided with the undefeated prospect. Navajo Stirling is listed as the favorite with odds at 1.4 (-250), reflecting a strong belief in his ability to continue his winning streak. A win via KO/TKO or disqualification for Stirling sits at 2.3 (+130), suggesting his finishing power is respected, while a decision victory is valued at 4.1 (+310).

Rodolfo Bellato, positioned as the underdog at 1.0 (0), presents a more lucrative, albeit riskier, proposition for bettors. His odds for a KO/TKO/DQ victory are 7.5 (+650), matching those for a win by decision. While these odds paint a picture of a challenging path for Bellato, the `underdog upset` is a tale as old as combat sports itself. A fighter with Bellato`s experience and power cannot be entirely discounted, and it`s often in these moments that fighters surprise everyone, including the oddsmakers.

Analytically, this suggests Stirling`s well-rounded game and consistent performances have earned him confidence. Bellato`s path to victory might hinge on exploiting any small opening or engaging in a brawl where his power could come into play. The light heavyweight division is unforgiving, and one clean shot can change everything, making the odds sometimes feel like merely a suggestion until the cage door closes.

Catch the Action: When and Where to Watch

UFC Fight Night 260, featuring the much-anticipated Stirling vs. Bellato bout, is set to electrify fans from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Ensure you adjust for your local time zone to catch all the excitement live:

Main Card Start Times (Approximate)

The fight between Stirling and Bellato is scheduled for three rounds within the Light Heavyweight division. Please note that exact ring walk times are always subject to change based on the duration of earlier fights on the card.

How to Watch

For viewers in the USA, the entire event, including the Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato bout, will be exclusively available for live streaming via ESPN+.

For international fans, streaming options can vary by country. Those facing geographical restrictions might consider utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access region-locked broadcasts, effectively changing their virtual location to one where the event is accessible.

Fighter Profiles at a Glance

The Full Card Context

While Stirling vs. Bellato promises fireworks, it`s just one piece of a broader, exciting fight card. The main event features a compelling clash between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes, headlining a night that also includes notable bouts like Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan and Jake Matthews vs. Neil Magny. The depth of the card ensures that from the early prelims to the main event, fans will have plenty of reasons to stay glued to their screens.

UFC Fight Night 260 – Full Fight Card Highlights:

• Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes (Main Event)
• Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan
• Jack Jenkins vs Ramon Taveras
• Jake Matthews vs Neil Magny
• Tom Nolan vs Charlie Campbell
• Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight Feature)
• Konklak Suphisara vs Alexia Thainara
• Cameron Rowston vs Andre Petroski
• Colby Thicknesse vs Josias Musasa
• Jamie Mullarkey vs Rolando Bedoya
• Michelle Montague vs Luana Carolina
• Brando Pericic vs Elisha Ellison

As UFC Fight Night 260 approaches, the light heavyweight division holds its breath for what could be a pivotal moment for both Navajo Stirling and Rodolfo Bellato. Whether you`re tuning in to witness the continuation of a perfect record or hoping for a veteran`s resurgence, this bout in Perth is shaping up to be an unmissable chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of mixed martial arts.