Long before Tyrell Fortune climbed up the UFC heavyweight rankings, he was already establishing a reputation in the wrestling ring. A two-time NCAA junior college champion, NCAA Division II national champion, Wrestler of the Year, Team USA representative and later a student assistant wrestling coach at Grand Canyon University, Fortune spent years pursuing excellence in a sport that offered prestige but little financial security.Mixed martial arts came later. The same goes for Bellator, the PFL, and eventually the UFC.Ahead of his second fight with Rizvan Kuniev at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, Fortune believes the foundation built during those years still gives him an edge over anyone standing across the cage.“I think I’ve always been able to exploit everybody with my wrestling,” Fortune told TimesofIndia.com ahead of the UFC Fight Night event. “Wrestling is where I started and my main martial art. But I think I’m stronger, faster and better than him at every position. “Fortune has previously admitted that the decision to enter MMA was driven as much by ambition as by practicality. Financial opportunities simply don’t exist in amateur wrestling.Bellator signed him while he was still pursuing international wrestling, and by 2016 he was fully committed to MMA, launching a career that took him through Bellator and the PFL before eventually earning a UFC contract.He arrived in the UFC under far from ideal circumstances.Fortune accepted the opportunity on 12 days’ notice in March against Marcin Tybura. He won, although the night was briefly overshadowed by famed UFC announcer Bruce Buffer making a rare mistake and initially mistakenly declaring Tybura the winner. However, the results leave no doubt that he belongs among the elite heavyweights of the sport.“It showed me that I can overcome the odds and make the most of the 12 days I have to prepare for my UFC debut.“It gave me more confidence and made me feel confident that I was in the right place and that I could live with these people.”The preparation was completely different this time. Instead of a rushed training camp, Fortune enjoyed a thorough preparation, which he believes made all the difference.“I feel like I’m ready. I had a full training camp and coming into the UFC I made sure I stayed in shape and kept up a good rhythm training. I feel like I put a lot of hard work into this training camp, so I feel very prepared.“I would say just stay in good shape, focus on my cardio, and push my cardio. That’s it. I’m focused on getting myself well-rounded and ready for anything that may come my way.”Opposite him is Kunev, a larger heavyweight with an advantage in both height and on-paper range. The burly Russian is 1-1 in the UFC and, like Fortune, will be looking to prove his worth in the divisional ring. But Fortune is undeterred by the challenge.“There’s no challenge. I don’t think it’s difficult. Most guys are at least an inch or two taller than me because I’m about 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3. So I’m used to people being at least an inch or two taller than me. One of my main training partners is 6-foot-7, so I’m used to dealing with height.”Nor does he believe his opponents have the upper hand in a particular area. When asked where Kunev would be most vulnerable if the fight unfolded on Fortune’s terms, his answer was blunt.“No matter where. I’m better than him anywhere.”This confidence is not without context. Fortune regained momentum before getting his chance in the UFC, racking up back-to-back stoppage wins following his PFL career and carrying that form into the Octagon. A win over Kunev, who is currently ranked one spot above him, would move him one step closer to becoming a top contender in the division.“I’m ranked ninth right now and he’s ranked eighth. So I think that’s going to move me up one spot. I think my next opportunity will be higher up the rankings. As long as I continue to move up the rankings and get the belt, that’s what I want.”From a national wrestling championship to a Bellator main event and now the UFC, Fortune insists that despite the milestones in his sporting career, little has changed in his approach to the game.“Nothing. Nothing has changed. Same job as always, same mission, same goals. Just go out there, dominate, win the fight and keep moving forward.”(Watch UFC Fight Night – Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr. live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD and Sony LIV on July 25 at 9:30 PM IST.)
