Tyrell Fortune has long wanted a step up in competition. At Bellator 233, he got just that, and passed the test with flying colors.
Undefeated heavyweight prospect Tyrell Fortune was in action at Bellator 233. More importantly, he was in action against someone who represented a solid step up in competition. Azunna Anywanu was the opponent in question, a fighter who had previously competed in the UFC octagon, and had vastly more experience than Fortune.
The main card fight, going down at the Winstar World Casino and Resort, was arguably Fortune’s toughest test to date, though one that had him confident heading in. The pair opened up the Bellator 233 card.
When the heavyweight duo got underway, Fortune circled along the outside, with the heftier Anywanu staying at center. Anywanu fired off a few punches that came up short, but there was little action through the first two minutes. Fortune was nowhere to be found when Anywanu did try to close the distance; Fortune, whose twin brother Tyree won on the Bellator 233 preliminary card, had a clear speed advantage.
As the opening round progressed, it was Fortune walking down his opponent, forcing him to the outside. Still, little of note connected in the opening round, with Fortune avoiding the few bombs Azunna Anywanu tried to set off.
Fortunte was able to get his own hands going in the second. A straight right hand clipped Anywanu, and the heat was suddenly on. Anywanu stumbled back. He recovered, but wound up eating a pair of knees in the clinch before another right hand put him down!
If Anywanu was a test for Tyrell Fortune, it was a test he passed with flying colors. He moves to 9-0, and another step up should come next.
Official Result: Tyrell Fortune def. Azunna Anywanu by TKO, Round 2, 1:56
