Bella Mir, a 22-year-old athlete, balances her wrestling career and MMA aspirations, with wrestling currently her priority as she prepares for the 2028 Olympics while maintaining ties with UFC and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Bella Mir, at just 22, is juggling an intense athletic schedule. After a victory at UFC BJJ 1 in June, she’s gearing up for her fourth professional fight at Fury Challenger Series 14. It’s her first MMA bout in over three years.
Her hiatus wasn’t by choice. Injuries forced her to reconsider her wrestling future. Initially part of Iowa’s powerhouse program, she almost quit due to these setbacks.
“When I went to college, the plan was to fight in summer and wrestle during the year,” Mir shared with MMA Fighting. Conflicts with coaches led her to transfer to North Central College, where she found support for her MMA and jiu-jitsu pursuits.
Last year, she struggled to find opponents, despite training all summer. This year, everything aligned, and she’s grateful to have a fight scheduled.
Iowa’s wrestling program is top-tier, boasting athletes like Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades. Yet, persistent injuries at Iowa made Mir reconsider her path.
She nearly left wrestling behind but chose to transfer to another top wrestling school. This decision proved invaluable.
“The main reason I left Iowa was my injuries,” Mir explained. “I’m not just wrestling for four years and then moving on. MMA/UFC has always been my main goal.”
Turning to UFC CEO Dana White for guidance, Mir found encouragement. White, who signed her for a name, image, and likeness deal, advised her to try a new environment.
“I transferred and never got another injury,” Mir revealed. “Iowa was great, but North Central is a better fit for me.”
In her first year at North Central, Mir finished second at the NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships. This fuels her ambition for future goals.
While continuing her education, Mir eyes the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Representing America is a dream she’s determined to pursue.
“Going to the Olympic trials is a dream,” Mir said. “Wrestling at any level, who doesn’t want to represent America?”
Despite wrestling being her priority, Mir maintains her MMA and jiu-jitsu training. It’s how her upcoming fight came to be.
“My next event isn’t until October in Serbia for U23 Worlds,” Mir said. “I’ll compete in MMA and jiu-jitsu as much as I can until then.”
Wrestling is physically demanding, and Mir knows it won’t last forever. Yet, her UFC aspirations are hard to ignore.
She remains in close contact with White and her father, Frank Mir, for career advice. Entering the UFC before ending her wrestling career isn’t off the table.
“After UFC BJJ 1, I’ve thought a lot about my timing for the UFC,” Mir said. “Maybe after college, I’ll start with Contender Series or prelim fights.”
Having White’s support is invaluable as she navigates these decisions. For now, wrestling is her top sport, but MMA will eventually take precedence.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the support from the UFC and Dana,” Mir expressed. “Wrestling will likely be the first sport I retire from, but for now, I’m seizing every opportunity.”