Bellator heavyweight Tyrell Fortune (8-1, 1NC) returns to action this Thursday at Bellator 251. It’s somewhat of a quick turnaround following his September bout against Jack May, which ended in disappointing fashion (a no contest) following a low blow that left May unable to continue.
After suffering his first loss as a professional in his previous fight, at the hands of Tim Johnson, Fortune will be looking to right the ship against Said Sowma. A Bellator newcomer, Sowma is the reigning Titan FC heavyweight champ.
“From what I’ve watched and what I’ve heard, I’ve heard he’s really good everywhere,” Fortune said Tuesday, speaking during a virtual media day to outlets including Cageside Press. “I think he’ll be a really well-rounded opponent, and I’ll find out when I get in there.”
The man who served up Tyrell Fortune’s first, and to date only, MMA loss, Johnson, looks to be next in line for a shot at Bellator’s heavyweight title. A belt currently held by Ryan Bader. Fortune, for one, isn’t concerned about what his former opponent has done since their meeting.
“I think I’m one of the best in the Bellator [heavyweight] division, regardless of where Tim Johnson or anyone is at,” said Fortune. “Obviously he had a lot of success, I just think that plays more into the storyline as I start my journey trying to get back to the belt. And I think it could be a great rematch in the future, if all the cards fall in line.”
Asked if there was any difference in the mentality between an undefeated fighter, and one who has suffered their first loss — be it in terms of confidence, or even the pressure they feel — Fortune told Cageside Press that “I think for me, it helped open my eyes.”
That loss, continued Fortune, allowed him to clearly identify “where my flaws were, where I needed to change and grow in my game. And if I really wanted to be considered a top contender, what things I needed to add to my camp, and what things I needed to my training regimen.”
Calling the loss an eye opener, Fortune added that “my confidence is still there. I still believe in myself.” Among the changes Fortune made was shoring up his strength and conditioning, as well as picking up a nutritionist. “I realized I needed some more help, I needed to go out and actually invest in myself to get to the next level.”
Watch the full Bellator 251 virtual media day press scrum with Tyrell Fortune above. The event takes place this Thursday, November 4 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The main card airs live on CBS Sports Network.
