Bella Mir Targets UFC Title at 23, Vows to Avoid Frank Mir’s 32-Fight Damage
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 2
Bella Mir Targets UFC Title at 23, Vows to Avoid Frank Mir’s 32-Fight Damage
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Sep 2
Summary
23-year-old Bella Mir said she still wants a UFC title after her Contender Series loss, but plans to prioritize quick finishes and limit long-term damage.
Frank Mir’s decline is driving that approach: Bella said “his brain is not good today,” citing years of wars, 10 knockout losses and a body worn down by multiple surgeries.
Her father retired in 2019 with a 19-13 record after an 18-year career that included the UFC heavyweight title, an interim belt and repeated comeback attempts after a motorcycle crash.
Bella, an NCAA Division I wrestling champion this March, said she hopes to balance Olympic and MMA ambitions while avoiding the 32-fight toll that left her father needing a cane at times.
The fallout from her latest loss also spilled online after her mother Jennifer attacked opponent Alex Apodaca on social media, then deleted the posts and apologized.