Heavyweight contenders Tyrell Fortune and Matt Mitrione will square off at Bellator 262, the promotion announced.
Set for Friday, July 16, the event features Juliana Velasquez defending her flyweight title against Denise Kielholtz from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut live on Showtime.
At one time best known for his collegiate wrestling prowess, Fortune has vastly improved his striking as his budding professional MMA career has progressed, earning knockouts with his fists in six of his ten victories. Currently ranked in the top five of Bellator’s heavyweight division, Mitrione poses the stiffest test yet for the 30-year-old Arizona resident when he competes on the main card.
Entering the Bellator cage for the ninth time since signing with the promotion in 2016, former New York Giants football star Mitrione will look to defeat the man 12 years his junior when he returns to action on July 16. Known for his heavy-handed, in-your-face style, Mitrione will be making the walk for the first time in 2021, following a defeat at the hands of current interim heavyweight title challenger Tim Johnson last year.
BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz Main Card:
SHOWTIME
Friday, July 16 – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Flyweight World Title Main Event: C-Juliana Velasquez (11-0) vs. #4-Denise Kielholtz (6-2)
Heavyweight Bout: #5–Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC) vs. #7-Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC)
Heavyweight Bout: #4-Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) vs. Marcelo Golm (8-3)
Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Featherweight Bout: #2-Arlene Blencowe (13-8) vs. Dayana Silva (9-6)
Heavyweight Bout: Ronny Markes (19-8) vs. Said Sowma (6-2)
Featherweight Bout Johnny Soto (4-1) vs. Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC)