Bella Mir Suffers Biggest Upset In DWCS History

Bella Mir (4-1) suffered the biggest upset in Dana White’s Contender Series history when she lost to Alex Apodaca (4-1) by unanimous decision Tuesday at the META APEX in Las Vegas.

The 23-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir entered the bout as an unbeaten prospect and former NCAA national wrestling champion who had also competed under the UFC BJJ banner.

Apodaca, meanwhile, entered as a major underdog. Mir was listed as high as a -6000 betting favorite at some sportsbooks, making the result one of the biggest betting upsets in MMA history.

Apodaca won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28. She outstruck Mir, defended five of six takedown attempts and left her bloodied during the fight.

UFC CEO Dana White said he had known Mir since she was a child and had previously helped her map out her path into combat sports.

“Four years ago, she came to me and wanted to sort of map out her future. I’m the one that talked her into going to college, and waiting … getting a wrestling background in college … then come here.”

White agreed with UFC analyst and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping that Mir’s lack of experience in difficult fights played a major role.

“The difference in this fight is deep water. Bella’s never been there and Alex has,” White said. “Like Bisping said, she didn’t have deep water experience and now she does. She didn’t fold. She didn’t get stopped. She didn’t quit. This is all part of the game.”

Apodaca’s victory earned her a UFC contract.