Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz is set to face undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling at UFC Belgrade on Saturday at the Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
Blachowicz, who holds a 29-11-2 professional record, was originally scheduled to fight Bogdan Guskov.
However, a late roster reshuffle assigned Guskov to a bout in Abu Dhabi, according to Cageside Press.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Blachowicz said he avoided studying Guskov's recent fight to keep his focus on the upcoming challenge.
"I don't watch this fight because I've got my fight so I focus about me," said Blachowicz.
The former champion said he plans to review the tape later before forming an opinion.
"I just hear that it was little bit boring fight, but I don't watch it.
I need to watch it later and then I going to have my opinion," said Blachowicz.
Despite Stirling's youth and speed, Blachowicz sees the matchup as an exciting stand-up battle that suits his striking preference.
"Another guy who I have to beat and stop it. Great, young fighter, with good stand up skills.
It's going to be good fight to watch because I also like fighting stand up, so let's go.
Let's do it one more time," said Blachowicz.
While acknowledging Stirling's perfect 10-0 record, Blachowicz expressed confidence that his veteran composure and octagon experience will be decisive.
"He's got 10 and 0 so it's time to stop him and after Saturday I believe he going to have 10 and 1.
For sure he going to be faster, stronger, but I've got stronger mentality and my experience is much bigger than his," said Blachowicz.
Blachowicz plans to use his tactical advantages and endurance to secure victory without overthinking future title implications.
"I'm going to use it," said Blachowicz.
The former champion stated that his ultimate goal is to enjoy the competition and celebrate a clean performance.
"I don't think about this. I just want to have some fun inside octagon," said Blachowicz.
Blachowicz concluded that divisional rankings and championship pathways will naturally resolve themselves after the event.
"Enjoy the fight, win the fight in good style, celebrate after the fight, and we will see what's going to happen," said Blachowicz.
Prediction market data from Polymarket, cited by CryptoSlate, shows Stirling entering as a favorite with an implied 74.5 percent win probability, while Blachowicz retains a 25.5 percent share ahead of Saturday's official event.
