THACKERVILLE, OKLA. —Timothy Johnson plans on taking his Bellator career in a different direction.
The veteran heavyweight seeks to shake off a two-fight losing streak which started his run with the Viacom-owned organization. Johnson (12-6 MMA, 0-2 BMMA) takes on blue-chip prospect Tyrell Fortune in the main card of Friday’s Bellator 239.
Despite his current position, Johnson knows he still has the time to turn things around in his career, even 10 years deep in the game.
“I’m getting up there, but I’m not an old man yet, I’m still 34,” Johnson told MMA Junkie. I have a couple of years left in me guaranteed, so I definitely want to make it a stepping stone, turn that around, you know.
“I’m on two-fight losing skid and that’s never happened to me before so that’s some uncharted territory. I definitely don’t want to make it three, but like I said, anything can happen in the fight game. A win would be great, get another contract and one thing I really want is to be more active, get three fights a year. That would be awesome.”
Fortune is a former NCAA Division II national champion wrestler and is considered one of the most promising fighters in MMA today. He started his career in late 2016 and has gone 8-0 since, with six stoppage wins.
Johnson is well aware of the challenge that’s ahead.
“I think Tyrell is the most decorated prospect in the heavyweight division no matter what organization it is,” Johnson said.
“He’s got a heck of a name, he’s got a heck of a pedigree, he’s an undefeated prospect, and he goes in there and finishes people. So both of us want to put on a good fight, and that’s all you can ask for. And say things don’t go my way, losing to him is not the end of the world, as opposed to losing to a different prospect. Tyrell has a big future ahead of him in MMA and I think everyone knows that.”
Bellator 239 takes place Friday at WinStar World Casino Resort. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Bellator 239's Timothy Johnson sees Tyrell Fortune as stepping stone to snap losing streak
