Bella Mir says Dana White's Contender Series spot 'most likely' set for this summer

Bella Mir has confirmed she is in discussions for a place on Dana White’s Contender Series this summer, telling reporters on the red carpet at the 17th Annual World MMA Awards on Wednesday that a booking is “most likely” on the way.

“Yes, yes there is,” Mir said when asked whether talks were ongoing. “I’m just excited to get it going. Hopefully I can get something announced soon, but there’s discussions going on. Most likely [I’ll be competing]. Yeah.”

The 23-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir is undefeated in MMA and has been building a profile across multiple combat disciplines simultaneously. Alongside her MMA career, she has been competing at a high level in freestyle wrestling and is active in UFC BJJ.

The timing, Mir says, is no accident. A spot on the Contender Series — the UFC’s primary pipeline for signing new talent — fits neatly into a schedule that already includes a Final X wrestling match against Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blaydes, a U23 World Team berth for the end of October, and a potential UFC BJJ title fight.

“This was always the plan,” Mir said. “I think my plan is just always taking every opportunity thrown at me, whether it happens to be MMA or wrestling or whatever it is. This actually is perfectly timed for me because I made the U23 World Team for wrestling and that’s for the end of October, so I’ll have just enough time to train after and get ready for that.”

Mir’s most recent MMA bout came roughly a year ago, a first-round submission victory for Fury FC. She was also asked about a potential appearance on a Rage at the Cage card in 2026, and while she stopped short of confirming anything, she indicated talks are progressing. “I think, hopefully — can’t say yet — but hopefully I can be on one of their cards soon,” she said.

Should Mir earn a UFC contract through the Contender Series, she would become one of the most decorated multi-discipline prospects to enter the organisation in recent years.