Apodaca Upsets Mir 29-28

LAS VEGAS, August 25, 2026 - Bella Mir, a 23-year-old 2026 NCAA national wrestling champion at 145lbs, the most highly favored fighter in UFC contender history at -6000, was soundly beaten by underdog (+1500) Alex Apodaca 32. Mir entered the 135-pound bantamweight bout undefeated at 4-0, while Apodaca entered with a 3-1 professional record. Mir couldn't capitalize on her elite wrestling background. Completing only two takedowns out of seven attempts. Apodaca successfully neutralized the other five attempts. Apodaca dominated the striking exchanges, outlanding Mir 48-30 in significant strikes, blooding Mir's nose and dictating the final two rounds of the three-round battle. The three octagon-side judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Apodaca. Dana White, the UFC CEO, awarded Apodaca a UFC contract immediately after the fight.

In round 1, Bella Mir came out firing a heavy left hand. She caught one of Apodaca's legs after a kick attempt and backed her into the cage. Mir scored a late-in-the-round takedown and was able to take her back. Apodaca remained calm, a critical decision. She reversed the position and gained top control. With heavy ground-and-pound strikes, Apodaca was able to steal the momentum from Mir.

In Round 2, Apodaca pushed the pace. Mir's several takedown attempts were repeatedly stopped by Apodaca. This forced the fighter to stay on their feet, a position that favored Apodaca. She used clean front kicks to Mir's body and accurate jabs to break past Mir's guard. The exchange left Mir bloodied and fatigued by the end of the round.

In Round 3, Mir continued to look to turn the fight into a grappling match rather than a striking battle, but struggled to establish her takedown game for much of the round. Late in the fight, however, Mir completed her second takedown and again took Apodaca's back, this time looking for a submission. Apodaca remained composed, defended the submission attempt, and survived the late grappling exchange.

By the end of the fight, Apodaca had landed 48 of 124 significant strikes compared with Mir's 30 of 77. Although Mir held a slight edge in significant-strike accuracy (38.9% to 38.7%), Apodaca's much higher striking volume made the difference. Apodaca also held a sizable advantage in total strikes, landing 66 of 144 compared with Mir's 33 of 80.

Mir entered the fight with impressive credentials and the added attention that comes with being the daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Apodaca overcame those advantages with composure, takedown defense, and a disciplined striking attack.

 

Apodaca, who has balanced her MMA career with a full-time job, remained focused and calm throughout the fight. Her defensive wrestling prevented Mir from consistently using her strongest weapon, while her striking volume allowed her to take control as the fight progressed.

 

All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Apodaca, giving her the unanimous-decision victory. UFC CEO Dana White then awarded her a UFC contract.

 

In the end, one of the biggest underdogs in Contender Series history walked out of the Octagon with the victory—and a UFC contract.