Top prospects Ed Ruth, Tyrell Fortune debut at Bellator 163

A pair of high-level prospects will make their pro MMA debuts at Bellator 163.

Three-time NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion Ed Ruth and one-time NCAA Division 2 champ Tyrell Fortune will both compete in preliminary bouts on Nov. 4 in Uncasville, Conn., Bellator announced Thursday.

Ruth, who won titles from 2012-14 while competing for Penn State, will meet Mark Mangiardi, who is also making his pro debut, in a middleweight matchup.

Fortune, meanwhile, won a Division 2 title with Grand Canyon University and was also a two time national junior college champ at Clackamas Community College in Oregon. A Blackzilians fighter, Fortune will meet Kentucky's Cody Miskell, also making his pro debut, in a heavyweight bout.

Also announced for the card was a catchweight bout between Neiman Gracie (4-0) and veteran Rudy Bears (16-14). The matchup will be contested at 175 pounds.