Published 48 days ago
How Alex Apodaca pulled off the biggest shock in Contender Series history by defeating Bella Mir
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The Contender Series witnessed a historic twist this Tuesday, August 25, 2025, with the unexpected defeat of Bella Mir, the program's favorite, at the hands of Alex Apodaca. Despite being a -6000 underdog, Apodaca turned the tables and earned a UFC contract thanks to a performance praised by Dana White.
To remember:
- Bella Mir, the Contender Series favorite, suffers a historic loss to Alex Apodaca.
- Apodaca's victory at 6000 to 1 is hailed as the biggest upset in Contender Series history.
- Dana White praises an exceptional performance and immediately signs Apodaca to the UFC.
- Bella Mir, a grappling specialist like her father Frank Mir, is overwhelmed by Apodaca's striking volume.
The Contender Series delivered another historic shock this Tuesday, August 25, 2025, with a bout that will be etched in memory forever. In the third episode of the tenth season, broadcast live, Bella Mir—daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir—suffered her first professional MMA loss at the hands of Alex Apodaca, despite being a -6000 favorite. A performance that defied all odds and made Contender Series history.
In the early minutes, Bella Mir seemed to confirm her favorite status by dominating the first round with her grappling expertise, inherited from her father. But Apodaca, more seasoned in close-fought battles, turned the tide with an relentless striking volume. A change in strategy that was enough to flip the fight on its head.
A Performance Praised by Dana White
The emotion was palpable when UFC president Dana White announced Apodaca's immediate signing to the organization. "I've known Bella for four years; we had everything planned out for her. But Alex proved she has the experience of close fights," he stated, highlighting the exceptional quality of the performance. A statement that underscores the impact of this victory on the MMA scene.
This loss marks a turning point in Bella Mir's young career, but she remains an athlete to watch closely. As for Alex Apodaca, her name now echoes as that of a future UFC star, ready to write her own legend.
This Contender Series night will go down in history as a moment when predictions were swept away by talent and determination. Alex Apodaca proved that in MMA, nothing is ever set in stone, and that upsets are an integral part of the sport's very essence.