Brennan Ward’s brutal debut in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) was nothing short of explosive. At BKFC on DAZN 4 this past Saturday, Ward made an unforgettable first impression, dispatching opponent James Dennis in just 38 seconds of the opening round at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The fight ended with a violent left hook that shattered Dennis’s nose, leaving no doubt about Ward’s power and potential in the bareknuckle boxing world.
Ward (1-0) was making his first appearance in BKFC after signing a multifight deal with the promotion following his departure from Bellator, which merged with PFL in late 2023. Although Ward had been booked for two previous bareknuckle bouts back in 2018 and 2019, those matches never came to fruition, leaving Saturday’s fight as his official debut.
Prior to making the switch to BKFC, Ward had a storied career in mixed martial arts, including several notable wins, but also faced personal battles that sidelined his career. After struggling with severe drug addiction, Ward took a hiatus from combat sports. He made his return to MMA in 2022, stringing together three consecutive wins before a three-fight losing streak led to his exit from Bellator.
Despite the setbacks, Ward’s bare knuckle brutal debut showcased the raw aggression and skill that have always defined his fighting style. The left hook that broke Dennis’s nose exemplified Ward’s power and precision, ensuring that his new chapter in BKFC would be one to remember. Fans can expect more of the same brutality as Ward continues his career in the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
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