Bella Mir, the 21-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, had a strong debut at UFC BJJ 1 on June 25, 2025, in Las Vegas. In a 145-pound grappling match, she beat Carol Joia with a D’Arce choke in the second round. The event, held at the UFC Apex and shown on YouTube, was the UFC’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.
A college wrestler and pro fighter, Bella proved her skills and earned praise for following her dad’s path. Her win keeps her 3-0 MMA record perfect and supports her goal to fight in the UFC and compete in the 2028 Olympics.
How Bella Won
Bella controlled the first round, staying on top and trying an arm-triangle choke. Joia, a brown belt Pans champion, blocked it but couldn’t fight back. In the second round, Joia tried a leg lock, but Bella got out and used a scramble to lock in a D’Arce choke, making Joia tap. The finish, posted by UFC Español on X, showed Bella’s grappling talent.
After the match, Bella told MMA Fighting, “Now that you say that, I want to do that. I’m actually going to do that,” talking about her dream to be the first UFC fighter in the Olympics. She plans to fight Alivia Bierley at Fury Challenger Series 14 on July 27, 2025, and compete in UFC BJJ 2 on July 31, 2025. UFC boss Dana White supported her 2028 Olympic goal at the UFC BJJ 1 press conference.
⚠️2 luchas, 2 finalizaciones ⚠️ #UFCBJJ1 pic.twitter.com/FNka8QCoIx
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 26, 2025
Bella Mir wants to be the first active UFC athlete to compete in the Olympics:
“Now that you say that, I want to do that. … I’m actually going to do that.” pic.twitter.com/fQ8Q9MbeJE
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 26, 2025
Bella Mir’s Story and Career
Born January 24, 2003, in Las Vegas, Bella started training at age four with her dad, Frank Mir. She’s a three-time IBJJF National champion and 2024 IBJJF NoGi World champion. She’s also a two-time NCAA All-American at North Central College after one year at the University of Iowa. In January 2023, she was the first athlete to sign a UFC NIL deal. Her MMA career began at 17 with a win at iKon Fighting Federation on October 23, 2020, followed by quick submissions at iKon 9 on November 5, 2021, and Xtreme Fight Night 381 on March 18, 2022.
Frank Mir first wanted her to focus on school or softball, saying in a UFC.com interview, “He always thought using your brain instead of your body was the better route.” Bella’s passion changed his mind, and he now coaches her. She wants a UFC title and a spot on the senior world wrestling team.
Bella’s win at UFC BJJ 1, where Mikey Musumeci also won by submission, marks her as a rising star.
