Found: Inside Brennan Ward’s triumphant return to MMA after years of addiction

In this video exclusive, MMA Junkie goes behind the scenes with Brennan Ward at Bellator 274 to chronicle his comeback fight.

There are few comeback stories more powerful than [autotag]Brennan Ward[/autotag]’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, [autotag]Greg Rebello[/autotag] and [autotag]Jay Jodoin[/autotag], on Bellator 274 fight night.

Also read:

Finding Brennan Ward: A story of addiction, sobriety and starting over

DWCS alumni Greg Rebello, Tebaris Gordon clash in CES MMA 60 co-main event

Two knockout artists are set to square off in Rhode Island.

Two alumni of Dana White’s Contender Series are set to square off at CES MMA 60.

CES MMA heavyweight champion [autotag]Greg Rebello[/autotag] will defend his title against [autotag]Tebaris Gordon[/autotag] in a five-round fight slotted for the evening’s co-main event.

CES MMA 60 takes place Jan. 24 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. The main card will stream on UFC Fight Pass.

A pioneer of New England MMA, Rebello (25-9 MMA) returns to action for the first time since July. The striking coach of UFC fighters Calvin Kattar, Rob Font, and Randy Costa, “Ribz” has won 14 fights inside the distance due to strikes.

CES MMA 60 marks the first fight North Carolina’s “Boom” Gordon (3-1 MMA) has competed in since losing to Greg Hardy at DWCS 16 in August 2018. The loss was his first as a professional. Prior to the defeat, Gordon had won three straight fights by knockout.

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With the latest addition, the CES MMA 60 lineup now includes:

  • Matt Bessette vs. Charles Cheeks III
  • Greg Rebello vs. Tebaris Gordon – for heavyweight title
  • Johnny Lopez vs. Blaine Shutt
  • Rocky Edwards vs. William Knight
  • John Gotti III vs. Marcos Lloreda
  • Giorgi Kudukashvili vs. Richie Santiago
  • Delaney Owen vs. Marisa Messer-Belenchia
  • Tom Evans vs. Zach Johnson
  • Hilarie Rose vs. opponent TBA
  • Ashiek Ajim vs. opponent TBA
  • Eddie George vs. opponent TBA
  • Hugh McKenna vs. opponent TBA

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