Navajo Stirling goes 3-0 in UFC after UD win over Bellato at Perth

Navajo Stirling remained unbeaten Saturday night, outpointing Rodolfo Bellato by unanimous decision in a featured light heavyweight prelim at UFC Perth to extend his professional record to 8-0 and claim a 3-0 mark inside the promotion, UFC officials said. The bout at RAC Arena went the full three rounds, with judges scoring the fight 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for the 24-year-old New Zealander.

Bellato began the contest pressing forward and worked to pin Stirling against the cage in the opening round, but Stirling landed the clearer strikes and countered with elbows and kicks to keep distance. The momentum shifted decisively in the second round when Stirling secured a takedown, moved into half guard and landed elbows and left hands from top position. Bellato scrambled back to his feet late in the frame and grabbed a takedown of his own in the closing seconds, but it was not enough to sway the judges.

The third round featured several takedown attempts by Bellato as he searched for a finish, while Stirling largely dictated the pace with boxed combinations, front kicks and timely counters. In the final minute both men opened up; Stirling landed a heavy right hand just before the horn...