IOWA CITY, Iowa – Bella Mir has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Iowa women’s wrestling program, it was announced Friday by head coach Clarissa Chun. Mir is the sixth-ranked recruit nationally at 144 pounds.
“Bella comes from a family background of fighters,” said Chun. “Having that tenacity and grit engrained in her and that drive, she embodies the Iowa style. Bella loves wrestling — she loves to train, grow and improve. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with her and have her join our program.”
The Las Vegas native is a four-time Nevada state champion at Centennial High School and a 2021 Junior Folkstyle national champion. She also placed fourth at the 2021 Junior Women’s Freestyle World Team Trials at 65 kg (143 pounds.
“Bella comes from a family background of fighters. Having that tenacity and grit engrained in her and that drive, she embodies the Iowa style. Bella loves wrestling -- she loves to train, grow and improve. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with her and have her join our program.”
Head coach Clarissa Chun
Mir is the daughter of Frank Mir, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion and a 16-year UFC veteran. Bella Mir has a 2-0 record herself as an MMA fighter.
Mir will compete unattached in 2022-23. Iowa announced in September 2021 it would become the first Division I Power Five school to add women’s wrestling. The Hawkeyes begin competing in 2023-24.
2022 Signing Class
Ava Bayless (Greenville, Penn.)
Sam Calkins (Brentwood, Calif.)
Nanea Estrella (Makawao, Hawaii)
Brianna Gonzalez (San Lorenza, Calif.)
Emilie Gonzalez (San Lorenza, Calif.)
Reese Larramendy (Reno, Nev.)
Bella Mir (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Ella Schmidt (Bettendorf, Iowa)
Nyla Valencia (Morgan Hill, Calif.)
Kylie Welker (Franksville, Wis.)
