2 hours ago
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.
Charles Oliveira shoots down UFC ****** le eliminators against Arman, Paddy Pimblett — 'I'm next in line … I can wait': Oliveira is extremely popular and accomplished, so a ****** le shot next is possible. But, Arman or Paddy could jump him with an impressive win, so this is a gamble.
Contender Series fighter who upset Bella Mir forced to cut celebration short — 'I have work in the morning': Given that this was only Alex Apodaca's fifth pro fight at 32 years of age, having another job makes a whole lot of sense!
UFC super prospect (and historic betting favorite) Bella Mir bloodied, beaten in biggest upset in Contender Series history: I do expect Bella Mir to bounce back from this in the long run (should she choose to focus on MMA moving forward).
#paddy
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.
Charles Oliveira shoots down UFC ****** le eliminators against Arman, Paddy Pimblett — 'I'm next in line … I can wait': Oliveira is extremely popular and accomplished, so a ****** le shot next is possible. But, Arman or Paddy could jump him with an impressive win, so this is a gamble.
Contender Series fighter who upset Bella Mir forced to cut celebration short — 'I have work in the morning': Given that this was only Alex Apodaca's fifth pro fight at 32 years of age, having another job makes a whole lot of sense!
UFC super prospect (and historic betting favorite) Bella Mir bloodied, beaten in biggest upset in Contender Series history: I do expect Bella Mir to bounce back from this in the long run (should she choose to focus on MMA moving forward).
#paddy
5 hours ago
Bella Mir had the full support of Dana White, and the oddsmakers suggested her audition for the UFC would be a cakewalk.
However, at Dana White's Contender Series 89, Mir (4-1) did not come through as the biggest favorite in the history of the show, losing by unanimous decision to Alex Apodaca (4-1). It was the first loss of Mir's professional MMA career, and it came in a feature bout with a potential UFC contract offer on the line.
White even admitted he was biased towards Mir, a rare admission for the UFC CEO. A win would have almost certainly guaranteed her entry into the UFC, but Apodaca (4-1) had plans of earning a contract as well, and did exactly that.
Now that Mir has had some time to digest the loss, she released a statement on social media. The daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir appears to be taking everything in stride, and vows to return better than before.
Read Mir's full statement below:
#white #contract #contender
However, at Dana White's Contender Series 89, Mir (4-1) did not come through as the biggest favorite in the history of the show, losing by unanimous decision to Alex Apodaca (4-1). It was the first loss of Mir's professional MMA career, and it came in a feature bout with a potential UFC contract offer on the line.
White even admitted he was biased towards Mir, a rare admission for the UFC CEO. A win would have almost certainly guaranteed her entry into the UFC, but Apodaca (4-1) had plans of earning a contract as well, and did exactly that.
Now that Mir has had some time to digest the loss, she released a statement on social media. The daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir appears to be taking everything in stride, and vows to return better than before.
Read Mir's full statement below:
#white #contract #contender
1 day ago
Bella Mir, the daughter of former multiple-time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, entered week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series 10 on Tuesday as a heavy favorite to win. Instead, the 23-year-old suffered her first career defeat.
Mir headlined the fight card pitted against Alex Apodaca. Apodaca's takedown defense proved effective against the NCAA champion wrestler and was able to score a unanimous decision upset.
UFC CEO Dana White has known Mir for years and even advised her about her future paths not long ago. He has a close relationship with the multi-sport athlete and weighed in on her loss during the event's post-fight press conference.
"I was extremely biased coming into tonight. I've been close to her for over four years," White said. "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, you know, and waiting, you know, getting a wrestling background in college, do some great things there, and then come here and, you know …"
Mir entered the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Tuesday with a 4-0 professional record. Apodaca was 3-1, but White believes Mir's inexperience played a role. She had only gone the distance once before while all of Apodaca's fights were settled on the scorecards.
#white #apodaca #champion #fight
Mir headlined the fight card pitted against Alex Apodaca. Apodaca's takedown defense proved effective against the NCAA champion wrestler and was able to score a unanimous decision upset.
UFC CEO Dana White has known Mir for years and even advised her about her future paths not long ago. He has a close relationship with the multi-sport athlete and weighed in on her loss during the event's post-fight press conference.
"I was extremely biased coming into tonight. I've been close to her for over four years," White said. "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, you know, and waiting, you know, getting a wrestling background in college, do some great things there, and then come here and, you know …"
Mir entered the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Tuesday with a 4-0 professional record. Apodaca was 3-1, but White believes Mir's inexperience played a role. She had only gone the distance once before while all of Apodaca's fights were settled on the scorecards.
#white #apodaca #champion #fight
1 day ago
Bella Mir's upset loss sent shockwaves through the MMA world.
On Tuesday night, Mir ended up on the wrong end of one of the biggest upset losses in MMA history, dropping a unanimous decision to Alex Apodaca in the main event of Week 3 of Contender Series.
Daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir and an NCAA national champion in wrestling, Bella Mir was the biggest betting favorite in Contender Series history, coming in at -6000 in some places, but was unable to have much success with her wrestling and grappling and was outworked over 15 minutes by Apodaca.
At just 23 years old, this is likely only a setback for Mir, but given her outspoken stance before the fight, where Mir declared her intention to become "the best athlete of all time," Mir already had some detractors in the MMA community, who were quick to jump on the upset loss.
Check out MMA fighters' reactions to the shocking upset below.
#apodaca #series
On Tuesday night, Mir ended up on the wrong end of one of the biggest upset losses in MMA history, dropping a unanimous decision to Alex Apodaca in the main event of Week 3 of Contender Series.
Daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir and an NCAA national champion in wrestling, Bella Mir was the biggest betting favorite in Contender Series history, coming in at -6000 in some places, but was unable to have much success with her wrestling and grappling and was outworked over 15 minutes by Apodaca.
At just 23 years old, this is likely only a setback for Mir, but given her outspoken stance before the fight, where Mir declared her intention to become "the best athlete of all time," Mir already had some detractors in the MMA community, who were quick to jump on the upset loss.
Check out MMA fighters' reactions to the shocking upset below.
#apodaca #series
1 day ago
Following the third week of Dana White's Contender Series 10, the winners answered questions from the media during the post-fight press conference. UFC CEO Dana White revealed those that earned UFC contracts.
The fight card was headlined by a women's bantamweight but between Bella Mir, the daughter of former multiple time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, and Alex Apodaca.
#dana #fight #alex #apodaca
The fight card was headlined by a women's bantamweight but between Bella Mir, the daughter of former multiple time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, and Alex Apodaca.
#dana #fight #alex #apodaca
1 day ago
UFC's Contender Series has now delivered one of the greatest upsets in MMA history — at least in terms of the odds.
In the show's Season 10, Week 4 main event on Tuesday, -6000 betting favorite Bella Mir — the much-ballyhooed daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir — suffered the shocking first loss of her professional MMA career to +1500 underdog Alex Apodaca via a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). With the win, Apodaca earned herself a UFC contract.
Mir, 23, has long been considered a blue-chip combat sports prospect under the tutelage of her former UFC heavyweight champion father. UFC CEO Dana White, who's known Bella since she was a child, spoke openly in the lead-up to Tuesday's Contender Series fight about the possibility of the young phenom competing at the 2028 Olympics while pursue **** les in multiple TKO properties: The UFC, UFC BJJ and Zuffa Boxing.
"Alex, what you had to face tonight [was different]," White said following the result. "Now, I'm very proud of myself that in 10 years of doing [Contender Series], I have never had any bias. I don't know anything about anybody coming in. I was overly biased on this fight. I've known Bella for a long time, four years ago we started mapping out her plan and who she was going to be, and you came in tonight [and changed all of that].
"Unbelievable upset. Congratulations, you're in the UFC."
#alex #white #long #tonight
In the show's Season 10, Week 4 main event on Tuesday, -6000 betting favorite Bella Mir — the much-ballyhooed daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir — suffered the shocking first loss of her professional MMA career to +1500 underdog Alex Apodaca via a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). With the win, Apodaca earned herself a UFC contract.
Mir, 23, has long been considered a blue-chip combat sports prospect under the tutelage of her former UFC heavyweight champion father. UFC CEO Dana White, who's known Bella since she was a child, spoke openly in the lead-up to Tuesday's Contender Series fight about the possibility of the young phenom competing at the 2028 Olympics while pursue **** les in multiple TKO properties: The UFC, UFC BJJ and Zuffa Boxing.
"Alex, what you had to face tonight [was different]," White said following the result. "Now, I'm very proud of myself that in 10 years of doing [Contender Series], I have never had any bias. I don't know anything about anybody coming in. I was overly biased on this fight. I've known Bella for a long time, four years ago we started mapping out her plan and who she was going to be, and you came in tonight [and changed all of that].
"Unbelievable upset. Congratulations, you're in the UFC."
#alex #white #long #tonight
1 day ago
The second week of the 10th season of Dana White's Contender Series kicked off on Tuesday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The fight card featured five fights with 10 athletes competing for a spot on the UFC roster.
The fight card was headlined by a women's bantamweight but between Bella Mir, the daughter of former multiple time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, and Alex Apodaca.
The two met in the middle of the cage and Mir connected with a left hand. They exchanged. Mir circled on the outside while Apodaca inched forward. Mir caught a kick and worked to get the fight to the ground but Apodaca remained standing. Mir stepped in the pocket with a combination. They clinched and worked along the cage. Apodaca began mixing in front kicks to the body. Late in the round, Mir secured a takedown and took Apodaca's back. Apodaca reversed the position and landed punches at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Apodaca.
They touched gloves to start the second and Apodaca pressed forward. Mir quickly looked for a takedown but Apodaca stuffed the attempt. Apodaca connected and Mir responded with a combination. After an exchange of right hands, Apodaca went back to utilizing front kicks. By the end off the round, Mir was bleeding from her nose. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Apodaca.
Mir attempted a takedown early in the final frame and Apodaca sprawled and successfully defended it. She got to her feet and Mir worked to get the fight to the ground. In a scramble, Mir took Apodaca's back with two minutes remaining on the clock. Apodaca protected her neck and the fight ended with Mir isolating a leg.
#fight #worked #mmaweekly #cage
The fight card was headlined by a women's bantamweight but between Bella Mir, the daughter of former multiple time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, and Alex Apodaca.
The two met in the middle of the cage and Mir connected with a left hand. They exchanged. Mir circled on the outside while Apodaca inched forward. Mir caught a kick and worked to get the fight to the ground but Apodaca remained standing. Mir stepped in the pocket with a combination. They clinched and worked along the cage. Apodaca began mixing in front kicks to the body. Late in the round, Mir secured a takedown and took Apodaca's back. Apodaca reversed the position and landed punches at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Apodaca.
They touched gloves to start the second and Apodaca pressed forward. Mir quickly looked for a takedown but Apodaca stuffed the attempt. Apodaca connected and Mir responded with a combination. After an exchange of right hands, Apodaca went back to utilizing front kicks. By the end off the round, Mir was bleeding from her nose. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Apodaca.
Mir attempted a takedown early in the final frame and Apodaca sprawled and successfully defended it. She got to her feet and Mir worked to get the fight to the ground. In a scramble, Mir took Apodaca's back with two minutes remaining on the clock. Apodaca protected her neck and the fight ended with Mir isolating a leg.
#fight #worked #mmaweekly #cage
1 day ago
It's that time of year again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Aug. 25, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, the daughter of Frank Mir and super prospect, Bella Mir (4-0), takes on Alex Apodaca (3-1). The co-main event sees two returning Heavyweights as Mario Piazzon (10-1) collides with Guilherme Uriel (7-2). In the "Featured" bout, Scottish killer Sean Clancy Jr. (8-0) fights former BKFC fighter, Gary Balletto (11-3). Welterweights hook 'em up as Ronald Humphrey (4-0) takes on Alexis Miranda (9-2). Finally, CFFC Welterweight champion, Nick Galanti (7-1), locks horns with Carlos Petruzzella (15-1).
Bella Mir vs. Alex Apodaca —
Mario Piazzon vs. Guilherme Uriel —
Sean Clancy Jr. vs. Gary Balletto —
Ronald Humphrey vs. Alexis Miranda — Humphrey def. Miranda via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 4:03
Nick Galanti vs. Carlos Petruzzella — Galanti def. Petruzzella via knockout (punch) Round 1, 0:35
Final result: Galanti def. Petruzzella via first round knockout
#apodaca #piazzon
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Aug. 25, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, the daughter of Frank Mir and super prospect, Bella Mir (4-0), takes on Alex Apodaca (3-1). The co-main event sees two returning Heavyweights as Mario Piazzon (10-1) collides with Guilherme Uriel (7-2). In the "Featured" bout, Scottish killer Sean Clancy Jr. (8-0) fights former BKFC fighter, Gary Balletto (11-3). Welterweights hook 'em up as Ronald Humphrey (4-0) takes on Alexis Miranda (9-2). Finally, CFFC Welterweight champion, Nick Galanti (7-1), locks horns with Carlos Petruzzella (15-1).
Bella Mir vs. Alex Apodaca —
Mario Piazzon vs. Guilherme Uriel —
Sean Clancy Jr. vs. Gary Balletto —
Ronald Humphrey vs. Alexis Miranda — Humphrey def. Miranda via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 4:03
Nick Galanti vs. Carlos Petruzzella — Galanti def. Petruzzella via knockout (punch) Round 1, 0:35
Final result: Galanti def. Petruzzella via first round knockout
#apodaca #piazzon
3 days ago
LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Monday's official Dana White's Contender Series 89 fighter weigh-ins, which kick off at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).
The weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in Las Vegas. The Meta APEX hosts Tuesday's card, which streams on Paramount+.
For the third event of the season, 10 fighters will vie for UFC contracts in their fights, including women's bantamweights Bella Mir (4-0) and Alex Apodaca (3-1), who headline the show.
The full Dana White's Contender Series 89 weigh-in results include:
MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 7 p.m. ET)
#dana #paramount #card
The weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in Las Vegas. The Meta APEX hosts Tuesday's card, which streams on Paramount+.
For the third event of the season, 10 fighters will vie for UFC contracts in their fights, including women's bantamweights Bella Mir (4-0) and Alex Apodaca (3-1), who headline the show.
The full Dana White's Contender Series 89 weigh-in results include:
MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 7 p.m. ET)
#dana #paramount #card
15 days ago
Dana White has been closely involved in Bella Mir'sdevelopment for years.
The daughter of former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight ****** leholder Frank Mir isset to compete on Week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series 2026. White recently addressedher career progression and aspirations.
Bella (4-0) will fight for a UFC contract on DWCS on Aug. 25,against AlexApodaca (3-1), with the two bantamweights set to headline thecard. White was recently asked about the former and had nothing butpraise, revealing that he's been closely monitoring her career forfour years.
"Yeah, I'm very excited about Bella," White said at the DWCS 2026 Week 1 post-fight press conference. "I've been veryinvolved in her life the last four years."
Bella has previously revealed that she hopes to become the firstUFC fighter to compete in the Olympics while also pursuingchampionships across multiple combat sports. White confirmed thatthe unbeaten 23-year-old has expressed an interest in competing atthe 2028 Olympics while also targeting ****** les in the UFC, UFC BJJand Zuffa Boxing.
"Yeah, we've talked about it," White added. "I mean, she presentedthat to me."
The UFC CEO then revealed that he encouraged the young prospect toattend college rather than immediately turning professional afterhigh school, a decision that ultimately helped shape her wrestlingcareer.
"That was the goal, too, in college," White said. "Not just for herto get an education but to break some college records. She wouldenter these jiu-jitsu competitions and win them. You know, whileshe was only wrestling, not even doing jiu-jitsu. So, she'sspecial."
#dana
The daughter of former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight ****** leholder Frank Mir isset to compete on Week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series 2026. White recently addressedher career progression and aspirations.
Bella (4-0) will fight for a UFC contract on DWCS on Aug. 25,against AlexApodaca (3-1), with the two bantamweights set to headline thecard. White was recently asked about the former and had nothing butpraise, revealing that he's been closely monitoring her career forfour years.
"Yeah, I'm very excited about Bella," White said at the DWCS 2026 Week 1 post-fight press conference. "I've been veryinvolved in her life the last four years."
Bella has previously revealed that she hopes to become the firstUFC fighter to compete in the Olympics while also pursuingchampionships across multiple combat sports. White confirmed thatthe unbeaten 23-year-old has expressed an interest in competing atthe 2028 Olympics while also targeting ****** les in the UFC, UFC BJJand Zuffa Boxing.
"Yeah, we've talked about it," White added. "I mean, she presentedthat to me."
The UFC CEO then revealed that he encouraged the young prospect toattend college rather than immediately turning professional afterhigh school, a decision that ultimately helped shape her wrestlingcareer.
"That was the goal, too, in college," White said. "Not just for herto get an education but to break some college records. She wouldenter these jiu-jitsu competitions and win them. You know, whileshe was only wrestling, not even doing jiu-jitsu. So, she'sspecial."
#dana
17 days ago
BellaMir looks to follow in her father's footsteps as she gears upto fight for a Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.
Mir (4-0) will face AlexApodaca (3-1) in a bantamweight matchup that headlines Season10 Week 3 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The Ultimate Fighting Championship recently confirmed the matchupon social media.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir'sdaughter Bella is targeting a spot on the UFC roster. The bout willmark her fifth professional MMA bout and her first fight in over ayear. The 23-year-old last competed in July 2025, submittingStephanieCalderon in the first round under the Fury FC banner.
She made her MMA debut in 2020 before taking nearly three yearsaway from competition to focus on developing her grappling.Meanwhile, Apodaca enters the matchup on a three-fight winningstreak, including a decision victory over DevonMcDonald in her most recent Fury FC appearance.
The full card for DWCS week 3 is as follows:
BellaMir vs. AlexApodaca
CarlosPetruzzella vs. NickGalanti
GaryBalletto Jr. vs. Sean ClancyJr.
AlexisMiranda vs. RonaldHumphrey
MarioPiazzon vs. GuilhermeUriel
#fury #bout
Mir (4-0) will face AlexApodaca (3-1) in a bantamweight matchup that headlines Season10 Week 3 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The Ultimate Fighting Championship recently confirmed the matchupon social media.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir'sdaughter Bella is targeting a spot on the UFC roster. The bout willmark her fifth professional MMA bout and her first fight in over ayear. The 23-year-old last competed in July 2025, submittingStephanieCalderon in the first round under the Fury FC banner.
She made her MMA debut in 2020 before taking nearly three yearsaway from competition to focus on developing her grappling.Meanwhile, Apodaca enters the matchup on a three-fight winningstreak, including a decision victory over DevonMcDonald in her most recent Fury FC appearance.
The full card for DWCS week 3 is as follows:
BellaMir vs. AlexApodaca
CarlosPetruzzella vs. NickGalanti
GaryBalletto Jr. vs. Sean ClancyJr.
AlexisMiranda vs. RonaldHumphrey
MarioPiazzon vs. GuilhermeUriel
#fury #bout
