There are few comeback stories more powerful than Brennan Ward’s – even just the fact that he made it to the locker room at Mohegan Sun Arena.
For the first time in over four years, Ward strapped on a pair of gloves last Saturday and went to battle at Bellator 274. The win over Brandon Bell was important, but Ward’s participation alone was an accomplishment in and of itself.
Over the span of his career up until his retirement in 2017, Ward battled severe addiction to alcohol and drugs, including heroin, fentanyl and pills. For many of his fights, he wouldn’t even train.
In January, Ward, 33, opened up to MMA Junkie about his struggles, detailing his past rock star lifestyle and newfound dedication to finally live up to his potential – and be a good father to his 2-year-old daughter.
In this exclusive video above, go behind-the-scenes of Ward’s return to MMA as MMA Junkie’s Nolan King follows him and his coaches, Greg Rebello and Jay Jodoin, on Bellator 274 fight night.
Also read:
Finding Brennan Ward: A story of addiction, sobriety and starting over
Found: Inside Brennan Ward’s triumphant return to MMA after years of addiction