The Run Club
PodcastsRun ClubsVideosTagsAthletesRacesCalculators
    The Dom Harvey Podcast

    The Dom Harvey Podcast

    About

    It started off as a podcast about people who run. Now it is just a podcast about people.

    Hosted by New Zealand broadcaster, author and marathon runner, Dom Harvey.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hosted By

    Dom Harvey

    Navajo Stirling: From Shy Upper Hutt Kid to UFC Champion

    Navajo Stirling: From Shy Upper Hutt Kid to UFC Champion

    March 25, 2026
    1h 57m

    Navajo Stirling is a UFC light heavyweight fighter and one of the most exciting fighters coming out of New Zealand right now. He is trained by the mixed martial arts guru Eugene Bereman at City Kickboxing in Auckland.


    At the time of recording this intro, Navajo is in Seattle on a UFC lineup with Israel Adesanya…

    Which is a really cool full circle moment- from the moment he decided he wanted to be a UFC fighter he followed the exact steps and blueprint created by Izzy.


    This podcast is part of the Navajo Stirling story:


    + His upbringing in Upper Hutt…and only discovering the UFC while working at Foodstuffs and going to a co-worker’s house to watch a Connor MacGregor fight on TV.


    + What it actually takes to get to the UFC…the financial reality of it…and why so many people never make it.


    + His first time meeting and training his hero, Israel, after watching and imitating every single fight he had ever had on YouTube.


    + There’s also some great stuff in here about fighting itself: what it feels like to get hit, why he says everything slows down in the cage…and how he deals with pressure when he’s about to walk out. And then there’s the bigger stuff: purpose, potential and his fear of becoming just another “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.”


    I think you will also enjoy this if you like learning about Kiwis who are out there chasing dreams and goals that seem impossible- its inspiring stuff.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    More from The Dom Harvey Podcast

    Dr Alia Bojilova: Being Held Hostages, the SAS & the Science of Thriving

    Dr Alia Bojilova: Being Held Hostages, the SAS & the Science of Thriving
    March 29, 2026

    The Conversations Jenny-May Clarkson Couldn’t Have on TV

    The Conversations Jenny-May Clarkson Couldn’t Have on TV
    March 22, 2026

    Melie Kerr: NZ's Next Cricket GOAT Is Already Here

    Melie Kerr: NZ's Next Cricket GOAT Is Already Here
    March 18, 2026