Bella Mir confirms plans to conquer multiple sports with Dana White’s full support: ‘I want to be legendary’

Bella Mir, the 23-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, is charting an ambitious course across multiple sports with the backing of UFC CEO Dana White. The wrestling standout, who became the first college athlete to sign a NIL deal with the UFC, is competing in the Contender Series and has set her sights on becoming a champion in MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, professional boxing, and earning an Olympic gold medal.

Mir recently claimed an NCAA wrestling title at 145 pounds in her final year at North Central College and is scheduled to face 2024 Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades for a spot at the World Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan later this year. She emphasized her desire to build a legacy that transcends any single sport. "I want to be the best athlete of all-time," Mir told MMA Fighting. "I don't even want to be the best MMA fighter or combat athlete. I just want to hit the highest goals that you can hit."

White has publicly endorsed Mir's multi-sport ambitions, and she says the UFC president has committed to supporting her 2028 Olympic bid even if it means temporarily stepping back from fighting. Mir acknowledged that wrestling an Olympic gold medal remains every wrestler's dream, and she's optimistic about timing fights around training camps. "He's so supportive of me," she explained.

While athletes like Henry Cejudo and Gable Steveson have won Olympic medals, none have simultaneously pursued elite competition in the UFC and other sports. Mir's path is unprecedented. She hopes to debut in the UFC by late 2024 if opportunities align, though she's prepared to wait into 2025. In the meantime, she's also planning her wedding for 2027. "When you have goals like this, there is no taking a month off," Mir said.