Despite retiring from mixed martial arts, former Bellator MMA star Brennan Ward continues to fight.

Ward has signed with BareKnuckle FC (BKFC), the world’s leading bareKnuckle boxing promotion, and is expected to make his debut on February 1, 2025 in Uncasville, CT. News of the signing was first reported by MMA Junkie. No opponent has been announced for Ward’s debut, which comes less than a year after the 36-year-old retired from MMA.

The “Irish” Brennan Ward became known for his explosive action under the Bellator banner, where he competed for over a decade. Ward debuted for the company in 2012 after appearing at CES MMA in New England and quickly became a fan favorite.

However, behind the scenes, Ward struggled with his addiction and therefore disappeared from the fights between 2017 and 2022. Ward’s story was documented by MMA Junkie’s Nolan King ahead of his return in 2022; Things had gotten so bad that the fighter was faking drug test samples to avoid detection.

After three straight wins upon his return in 2022, Ward engaged in high-profile battles with Logan Storley, Don Madge and Magomed Umalatov, the latter two under the PFL banner. After losing all three, he announced his retirement following the loss to Umalatov in June 2024.

However, with 12 knockouts, Barknuckle appears to be unique to Brennan Ward.