The highly favored daughter of a former UFC champion was expected to dominate, but Apodaca controlled the action for a historic victory at the Meta Apex.

In a night packed with brutal finishes, Dana White's Contender Series Week 3 delivered one of its most memorable moments at the Meta Apex. Alex Apodaca scored a massive upset over the highly touted Bella Mir, earning a unanimous decision victory and a coveted UFC contract on Tuesday night.

Mir, the daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, entered the main event bout as an overwhelming favorite, with odds ranging from -2000 to -3000. Many anticipated she would effortlessly secure her path to the UFC, but Apodaca had other plans for the fight.

From the opening bell, Apodaca defied all expectations, showcasing a dominant performance that completely shut down her opponent. Her commanding display against such high odds marks one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Contender Series, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.

Apodaca's Dominant Performance Stuns Favorites

Alex Apodaca's strategic prowess and strength were evident throughout the fight. Despite Mir's reputation and the significant betting disparity, Apodaca effectively stuffed numerous takedown attempts from her opponent, preventing Mir from imposing her grappling game.

Apodaca also landed impactful strikes, visibly bloodying Mir's nose and controlling the pace and action of the bout. The judges awarded her the fight with three identical scores of 29-28, solidifying her unanimous decision victory.

After the stunning win, Apodaca expressed her disbelief at the public's perception of the fight. "That's crazy, I didn't look at the odds before, I knew it was bullshit," Apodaca said. "I just truly believe that if I stay present and in the moment that nobody's going to beat me because I'm technical and I'm strong."

Dana White Overcomes Bias to Award Apodaca UFC Deal

UFC President Dana White, who admitted to having a personal bias towards Bella Mir due to his relationship with her family, was nevertheless thoroughly impressed by Apodaca's performance. Her exceptional display on the biggest stage earned his full admiration.

White acknowledged Apodaca's "outstanding performance" and, despite his prior leanings, awarded her a UFC contract. This makes Apodaca the fifth fighter of the night to secure a contract, highlighting the quality and excitement of Dana White's Contender Series Week 3.

Additional Fighters Secure Their UFC Dreams on DWCS

The night was characterized by a series of decisive finishes, with a total of five fighters earning their spots in the UFC roster. Among them was Guilherme Uriel, who made the most of his second chance on the Contender Series.

Uriel, previously stopped by heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit, showcased a brutal standing guillotine choke in the first round against Mario Piazzon. He secured Piazzon's neck against the cage and maintained the hold until the tap. Elsewhere, Ronald Humphrey delivered an incredible performance, dropping Alexis Miranda with a jab before unleashing ground-and-pound, taking his back, and locking in a rear-naked choke for a violent first-round submission.

Other fighters who secured contracts through impressive finishes include Sean Clancy Jr., who defeated Gary Balletto via second-round TKO (punches), and Nick Galanti, who earned a first-round knockout (punches) against Carlos Petruzzella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alex Apodaca?

Alex Apodaca is an MMA fighter who gained significant attention after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Dana White's Contender Series history by defeating Bella Mir in Week 3 of the 2026 season. She secured a UFC contract with her dominant performance.

What were the odds for Bella Mir vs Alex Apodaca?

Bella Mir was a massive favorite heading into her fight against Alex Apodaca, with betting odds placing her anywhere from -2000 to -3000. Apodaca's victory over Mir was therefore considered a historic upset.

Did other fighters earn UFC contracts at DWCS Week 3?

Yes, four other fighters in addition to Alex Apodaca earned UFC contracts at Dana White's Contender Series Week 3. These included Guilherme Uriel, Sean Clancy Jr., Ronald Humphrey, and Nick Galanti, all securing their spots through decisive victories.