Apodaca shocks Contender Series with upset over Bella Mir
The heavy underdog controlled the main event at the Meta Apex, securing a UFC contract in a result that defied significant betting odds.
Alex Apodaca delivered a significant upset victory over Bella Mir in the main event of Dana White's Contender Series Week 3, held at the Meta Apex. The result marked a notable deviation from expectations, with Apodaca entering the bout as a heavy underdog with odds ranging from -2000 to -3000.
Despite the disparity in pre-fight projections, Apodaca controlled the action from the opening bell. She successfully stuffed multiple takedown attempts by Mir and inflicted a nose injury, which contributed to her securing the win. The performance was widely described as one of the most significant upsets in the history of the Contender Series.
UFC President Dana White acknowledged a prior bias towards Mir, citing her connection to former heavyweight champion Frank Mir. However, White awarded Apodaca a UFC contract, attributing the decision to her outstanding performance in the cage. This marked the fifth consecutive winner on the Tuesday night card to earn a contract.
In other bouts on the card, Guilherme Uriel capitalised on a second opportunity in the series by defeating Mario Piazzon. Uriel, who had previously lost to rising heavyweight star Josh Hokit, secured a first-round victory via a standing guillotine choke.
Ronald Humphrey also earned a contract after defeating Alexis Miranda. Humphrey dropped Miranda with a jab and followed up with a ground-and-pound sequence before locking in a rear-naked choke for the finish.
The event was broadcast on Paramount+, where all five winners from the card were confirmed to have secured UFC contracts following their performances.
