Former WWE star Jake Hager (fka Jack Swagger) made his professional MMA debut at Bellator 214, defeating JW KIser by second round submission.
Tyrell Fortune, who last competed at Bellator 216, is wondering just how Hager was able to leapfrog him and compete on the main card instead of working on the prelims first.
“His first fight, he was co-main event,” Fortune said after the event (via MMA Junkie). “I have five fights in Bellator previous to (Bellator 216), so how did he leapfrog me to the (co-main event) without working his way up through the prelims? The announcer was calling him the best wrestler in the heavyweight division. I’ve never heard of that guy in wrestling, and I’ve been wrestling since the third grade.”
Fortune has now competed six times as a professional MMA fighter, while Hager is expected to make his second pro MMA appearance this May at Bellator 221.
The heavyweight contender is starting to call out more big name opponent for future fights, but their is one member of the Bellator roster who shouldn’t expect to hear his name called.
“(Heavyweight champ) Ryan Bader’s the only guy I would say no to,” he said. “Because he’s the champ. I feel like I’ve got to work my way (up) to get that matchup.”
There is no word yet on when Fortune expects to return to the cage, but he is ranked #5 in the Fightful MMA Rankings.
