Former UFC heavyweight Azunna Anyanwu will finally make his promotional debut at Bellator 233, against Tyrell Fortune.
Tyrell Fortune at long last has a dance partner for Bellator 233 next month. After early reports that Fortune (7-0) would meet Tim Johnson, the blue chip prospect will instead face another UFC alum. In this case, it’s Azunna Anyanwu (15-5), Bellator officials confirmed to Cageside Press Tuesday following an initial report by MMA Junkie.
Fortune has been looking for a step up in competition for a while, and Anyanwu should fit the bill. He’ll be making his promotional debut at Bellator 233, but the former Cage Fury heavyweight champ was on quite a roll before his UFC debut went sideways against Justin Ledet. Anyanwu had been on a five fight win streak prior to that, including a win on the Contender Series and two defenses of his CFFC title.
Fortune, of course, whose twin brother Tyrell has also fought for Bellator, remains perfect as a pro. The wrestling standout has fought his entire career thus far for Scott Coker and company. Across his seven wins are five finishes, most recently a rear-naked choke submission of Rudy Schaffroth at Bellator 225.
Coincidentally, Anyanwu had also been booked for the Bellator 225 card, but was a healthy scratch when Tim Johnson — who Fortune was briefly linked with — was promoted to the co-main event against Vitaly Minakov.
Fortune vs. Anyawu joins Leslie Smith vs. Arlene Blencowe, King Mo vs. Andrew Kapel, and the main event of John Salter vs. Costello van Steenis at Bellator 233. The show takes place Friday, November 8, 2019 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
