Apodaca Stuns Mir To Earn UFC Contract

Alex Apodaca pulled off what ESPN is calling the biggest upset in Dana White's Contender Series history Tuesday night, beating highly touted prospect Bella Mir to earn a UFC contract.

Apodaca entered the bout as a massive underdog against Mir, daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir and one of the most hyped prospects in women's MMA. The win marks Apodaca's breakthrough moment after years grinding on the regional circuit.

Apodaca's Path To UFC Contract

Dana White awarded Apodaca one of the coveted deals following her victory, bypassing the typical post-fight deliberation. The contract represents the culmination of Apodaca's journey through smaller promotions and marks her first opportunity to compete on MMA's biggest stage.

Mir had been viewed as a lock for the UFC roster given her pedigree and early career momentum. The loss raises questions about her immediate future in the promotion's talent pipeline.

Apodaca is expected to make her official UFC debut later this year, with the promotion yet to announce an opponent or date.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Apodaca stuns MMA prodigy Mir to earn UFC deal