Alex Apodaca recently made headlines by pulling off one of the most stunning upsets in Dana White’s Contender Series history. The Texas bantamweight defeated heavily favored Bella Mir in a unanimous decision, earning an immediate UFC contract offer despite entering the bout as a +1200 underdog. The victory marked a major breakthrough for Apodaca, who had only been competing professionally for two and a half years.
Rather than celebrating her newfound status as a UFC fighter, Apodaca made an unexpected decision: she returned to her full-time job at an accounting firm. The 32-year-old consultant explained her reasoning to interviewer Ariel Helwani, stating that she wanted to maintain financial security through benefits like a 401k and comprehensive health insurance. She even attended a work video call at 7:30 AM the morning after her career-defining victory.
Apodaca’s employer has supported her athletic ambitions by offering flexible working arrangements, including an alternative work schedule that allows her two hours daily for training. She expressed gratitude for their understanding, noting they have permitted her to maintain her professional responsibilities while pursuing mixed martial arts at the highest level. The fighter suggested she may eventually need to adjust her work situation, but emphasized her commitment to remaining with the company as long as possible.
Looking forward, Apodaca views each competition as a personal test, stating that her determination to succeed would have persisted regardless of the DWCS outcome. Now she enters the competitive women’s bantamweight division, where she will face established veterans and rising prospects while continuing her day job.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
