Navajo Stirling made his professional MMA debut against James Craughwell in the main event of Shuriken Fight Series 12 on September 23, 2022, at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The bout was contested over five rounds for the SMMA Heavyweight Championship and marked Stirling’s transition from an accomplished kickboxing career into professional mixed martial arts. He ultimately earned a unanimous decision after five rounds.
Round 1
Stirling opened the fight with a patient kickboxing approach, controlling the center of the cage behind long jabs and sharp calf kicks. Using his height and reach advantage, he forced Craughwell to fight on the outside while constantly resetting his feet.
Craughwell attempted to pressure forward with looping punches and occasional clinch entries, but Stirling’s footwork consistently created angles before countering with crisp straight right hands. Midway through the round, Stirling landed several clean body kicks that visibly slowed his opponent’s advance. Craughwell briefly secured a clinch against the fence, but Stirling defended well, reversed position, and separated without allowing meaningful offense. Stirling’s superior striking and cage control earned him the opening round.
Round 2
Craughwell increased his aggression, looking to make the fight physical by closing distance and mixing in takedown attempts. Stirling remained composed, stuffing the majority of the shots with strong balance and underhooks before returning to striking range.
Once back at distance, Stirling began opening up with combinations. Fast jabs set up heavy right crosses and inside leg kicks, while occasional knees punished Craughwell whenever he entered the clinch. Although Craughwell showed toughness and continued pressing forward, Stirling landed the cleaner and more accurate offense throughout the round, gradually taking control of the contest.
Round 3
The final round saw Craughwell urgently chase a finish, throwing wider combinations and attempting to overwhelm the debutant. Stirling stayed disciplined, relying on movement and timing rather than engaging in unnecessary brawls.
As Craughwell tired, Stirling repeatedly intercepted him with straight punches down the middle and powerful low kicks. Late in the fight, Stirling connected with several hard combinations that backed Craughwell toward the fence, but he resisted the temptation to overcommit, choosing instead to maintain position and finish the bout strongly.
After fifteen minutes, the judges unanimously awarded the fight to Stirling, giving him a successful professional debut and the SMMA Heavyweight Championship.
Official Result: Navajo Stirling defeated James Craughwell via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) after 3 rounds (despite originally being scheduled for five rounds), improving his professional record to 1–0.