The UFC is investing in the future of Bella Mir, who is arguably the biggest potential prospect in women’s MMA.
Mir, who is the 20-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, has come to terms with the promotion to be its first NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) ambassador, the UFC announced on Friday following an initial report from ESPN.
Currently a freshman at the University of Iowa, where she is part of the women’s wrestling team, Mir, will have an opportunity to generate incoming based on endorsements, social media activity and public appearances. Up until recently, NIL deals were banned by NCAA.
“I’m super grateful and I honestly couldn’t be more thankful to Dana (White) and UFC for giving me this opportunity,” Mir said in a statement. “I’m going to make sure I do my best to represent UFC and show the world what I’m all about.”
Despite her youth, Mir is already 3-0 as a professional MMA fighter. She made her debut as a 17-year-old, racking up wins in Mexico where her age didn’t prevent her from competing.
She took an 18-month break from fighting afterward, though, and in June made her U.S. debut when she submitted Jessica Link-Davis in the first round under the Xtreme Fight Night banner.
Thus far, all three of Mir’s professional fights have taken place in the women’s featherweight division. She won multiple state wrestling championships in Nevada at 144 pounds.
With her father Frank fully invested in her pursuit of combat and claiming Bella will eventually be a world champion, it was a natural fit for the UFC brass to make an early connection and set her up for the future.
“Bella was destined to become a member of the UFC family her entire life, and I’m proud that she’s making history as our first NIL ambassador in one of the best programs at the University of Iowa,” said UFC president Dana White. “She’s a four-time state high school wrestling champion who has won jiu-jitsu tournaments and three professional MMA fights before turning 19. Bella is an incredible role model for young women who are not only looking to get into sports, but also pursue their dreams. She’s on another level, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.”
