'She’s on another level:' UFC signs Iowa wrestler Bella Mir as 1st NIL ambassador

Iowa women’s wrestler Bella Mir – daughter of former MMA heavyweight champion Frank Mir – has signed an agreement as UFC’s first NIL ambassador.

The NIL deal is the first for UFC and is a major milestone for Mir. She is already 3-0 as a professional MMA fighter and will be one of the key performers on the Hawkeyes’ women’s wrestling team when it officially begins team varsity competition in 2023-2024.

The terms of the deal were not released.

Bella Mir captured four consecutive Nevada state high school wrestling state championships. During her high school career, she ranked sixth nationally in the 144-pound division and was a 2021 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle national champion. A decorated jiu-jitsu practitioner, Mir also won the 2022 American National Jiu-Jitsu and 2021 International Jiu-Jitsu Con Championships. Most recently in MMA, Mir beat Jessica Link by first-round armbar in June under the Xtreme Fight Night banner.

Bella Mir is UFC royalty

UFC President Dana White said in a statement that Bella Mir was destined to become a member of the “UFC family her entire life.”

“I’m proud that she’s making history as our first NIL ambassador in one of the best programs at the University of Iowa,” White said. “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.” 

In a statement, Mir said she’s “super grateful” and “thankful for the opportunity.”

“I’m going to make sure I do my best to represent UFC and show the world what I’m all about,” Mir said.

UFC legend Frank Mir has fully invested in his daughter’s pursuit of a career in MMA. He believes she will eventually be a world championship. He’s also said he’s looking forward to fighting on the same card as her someday.

That, along with the UFC’s partnership with Iowa men’s and women’s wrestling programs make this NIL deal a natural fit for all involved. Mir, a rising star in the sport, will promote UFC through her name, image and likeness, especially on social media. And in turn, UFC gets involved early on with a talented athlete early on in her career.