Dana White certainly has a history of harboring animosity toward certain fighters in his promotion, and that includes legends. However, the UFC CEO was willing to set those differences aside with one of the promotion’s legends to give his daughter a chance to prove herself.

In Week 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series on August 25 later this month, former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir’s daughter, Bella Mir, will make her bid to earn a UFC contract. The wrestling standout from the University of Iowa will face Alex Apodaca on the main card in a bantamweight bout. The UFC confirmed the matchup during tonight’s UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs. Salkilld broadcast.

For years, Frank Mir’s daughter has been regarded as one of the top prospects who many believe could do wonders in the UFC. Much of that confidence comes from Bella’s astonishing accomplishments as a grappler. The 23-year-old has been regularly competing in the UFC’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotion and has displayed some amazing skills on the mat.

With her deal in January 2023, Bella became the UFC’s First NIL Ambassador. Under the deal, she could earn money through her “Name, Image, and Likeness” via endorsements, autographs, and social media while remaining contracted to the UFC. However, alongside her proficiency in Jiu-Jitsu, Bella has also put together some promising outings in MMA. 

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The Nevada-based fighter is currently 4-0 in her professional MMA career, with three of her four fights ending in devastating finishes. Her last win came against Stephanie Calderon in July 2025, meaning she will be making her comeback after a year-long layoff. In that case, it will be interesting to see how she matches up against an opponent who has fought more recently.  

Frank Mir’s daughter getting the chance to continue her father’s legacy definitely sounds like a story to remember. But she’s not the first one to do so. Previously, UFC veteran Gilbert Smith’s son, Elijah Smith, also competed on DWCS in 2024 and earned a contract. So, we’ll see whether Bella Mir can pull off the same.

That said, as everyone waits to see Frank Mir’s daughter in action, intrigue surrounding her father’s controversial past has also started to emerge. 

UFC legend Frank Mir had a controversial relationship with Dana White 

Frank Mir was a big draw in the heavyweight division who produced multiple highlight-reel moments for the UFC. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have his fair share of turmoil with Dana White. Ahead of his blockbuster rematch with Brock Lesnar at UFC 100, Mir went out of line by claiming that he wanted to be the first person to see Lesnar “dead” inside the Octagon due to “Octagon-related injuries,” a statement that Dana White despised.

Following Mir’s comments, the UFC head honcho addressed them in an official statement, stating that he was “disappointed” by the former heavyweight champion’s remarks.

“I was disappointed by Frank Mir’s comments,” White said. “Frank’s been with the UFC a long time, he’s a two-time heavyweight champion and a commentator for the WEC. I think his emotions are running high right now, he has a big fight coming up next month and he’s still upset about his loss to Lesnar. He’s been talked to, he regrets what he said, and he won’t be saying anything like that again.”

After that, Frank Mir also apologized to Brock Lesnar for his earlier comments, saying that he “respects” the former heavyweight champion. But that wasn’t the full extent of their issues. In March 2016, the 47-year-old tested positive for a banned substance after his fight with Mark Hunt. During that ordeal, Mir asked Dana White for help, calling him a “big brother.” However, the UFC boss reportedly ghosted the former heavyweight champion, who reacted to the situation by saying that his “feelings were hurt.”

Over time, both of them mended their differences and got back on track. And after so many years since those controversies, Mir’s daughter would be competing on the same platform where her father once made history.