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Bella Mir vs Alex Apodaca: DWCS 2026 Week 3 Preview and Full Fight Card

Bella Mir vs Alex Apodaca: DWCS 2026 Week 3 Preview and Full Fight Card

Bella Mir takes center stage at DWCS 2026 Week 3

One of the most recognizable names to enter Dana White's Contender Series this season arrives with only four professional fights on her record. Bella Mir, the daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, faces Alex Apodaca at Contender Series 2026: Week 3 on Tuesday, August 25.

The family name naturally brings attention, but Mir has already built a résumé that stands on its own. The 23-year-old is 4-0 in professional MMA with three first-round submissions, has competed successfully in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and captured a Division I wrestling national championship at 145 pounds earlier in 2026.

Dana White has followed Bella Mir's development for years

Dana White's interest in Mir predates this week's fight. White has said he has been closely involved in her development for several years and encouraged her to attend college rather than immediately committing full-time to professional fighting after high school.

That route allowed Mir to develop an unusually broad competitive base. Alongside wrestling and MMA, she continued entering grappling tournaments, building the sort of experience that makes Apodaca vs. Mir one of the most closely watched prospect fights of Week 3.

Mir has also spoken about goals extending well beyond simply reaching the UFC, including Olympic wrestling, MMA gold, boxing and high-level jiu-jitsu competition. First, however, she has to get past Apodaca on a stage where an impressive victory can immediately produce a UFC contract.

Bella Mir enters as a massive betting favorite

The expectations are reflected in the betting market. Mir has been listed around -1600 ahead of the matchup, an extraordinary price for a Contender Series fight and reportedly the shortest odds ever attached to a female fighter on the show.

That number does not guarantee anything once the cage closes. Contender Series has repeatedly produced upsets, and Apodaca gets a rare opportunity to completely change the conversation by handing Mir the first loss of her professional career.

Guilherme Uriel vs Mario Piazzon adds an all-Brazilian matchup

Another fight worth watching is Piazzon vs. Uriel, an all-Brazilian matchup between Mario Piazzon and Guilherme Uriel. Uriel has made no secret of what he wants from the opportunity: prove he is ready to move directly onto the UFC roster.

The rest of the five-fight lineup includes Clancy Jr. vs. Balletto Jr., Humphrey vs. Miranda and Petruzzella vs. Galanti, giving 10 prospects a chance to make their case in Las Vegas.

All 10 DWCS Week 3 fighters make weight

The card is officially set after all 10 competitors successfully made weight. That clears the way for five scheduled fights at the Meta APEX with no late weight-related changes heading into Tuesday.

DWCS 2026 Week 3 full fight card

DWCS 2026 Week 3 FAQ

When is DWCS 2026 Week 3?

Contender Series 2026: Week 3 takes place Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

Who is Bella Mir fighting on Dana White's Contender Series?

Bella Mir faces Alex Apodaca in one of the featured bouts of DWCS 2026 Week 3.

Is Bella Mir Frank Mir's daughter?

Yes. Bella Mir is the daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, although she has already established her own wrestling, jiu-jitsu and MMA résumé.

What is Bella Mir's MMA record?

Mir enters her Contender Series appearance with a 4-0 professional MMA record, including three first-round submission victories.

Why is Bella Mir such a big favorite against Alex Apodaca?

Mir's undefeated MMA record, elite wrestling background and submission experience have contributed to extremely short betting odds ahead of the fight.

How many fights are on DWCS Week 3?

There are five fights on the card, featuring 10 prospects competing for victories and potential UFC contracts.

Watch the DWCS Week 3 weigh-ins

Before the fights begin, watch the Dana White's Contender Series Week 3 weigh-in highlights, with all 10 fighters making weight.

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