UNCASVILLE, Conn. – It has been a while, but make no mistake about it, Brennan Ward is back.

On the main card of Bellator 274, Ward (15-6 MMA, 10-6 BMMA) returned to action for the first time since 2017, looking to right the ship after a two-fight losing skid in a catchweight 175 pound bout against Brandon Bell (7-11 MMA, 1-1 BMMA).

Ward looked sharp early on, displaying a crisp left-hand jab that caused his opponent to be on the defensive early. Unfortunately, an accidental low blow from a knee paused his offensive output early in the first round. However, after a short recovery, Ward went back to work behind the jab and continued to pick apart his opponent.

A flurry of punches from Ward led to his opponent dropping to the canvas, where “Irish” continued the swarm on the mat. A cut was opened on Bell during the barrage as Ward looked for the finish. Somehow, Bell survived the storm of strikes, but Ward remained calm and picked his shots carefully. The fight returned to the feet, but the striking onslaught from Ward continued. Bell shot for a takedown in hopes of slowing his opponent, but ended up on the canvas, defending strikes and submission attempts until the opening round ended.

Not much changed when the second round began.

Ward went right back to delivering devastating punches, causing his opponent to turtle up on the canvas, and referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight.

Welcome back, Brennan Ward!

A triumphant return and a classic performance LIVE on @SHOsports.#Bellator274 pic.twitter.com/IYzvx2ymdc

— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) February 20, 2022

Ward successfully returned to action to snap a two-fight skid. His last outing was over four years ago, where he was submitted by Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 182. Despite the trials and tribulations that kept him sidelined for a lengthy period, Ward returned to the win column for the first time since 2016, when he finished Saad Awad in the first round at Bellator 163.

On the other side, Bell falls below .500 in his professional career. The loss to Ward marked his fourth straight.

Up-to-the-minute results of Bellator 274 include:

• Brennan Ward def. Brandon Bell via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:32
• Davion Franklin def. Said Sowma via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
• Nick Browne def. Mandel Nallo via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:20
• Jaylon Bates def. Chris Disonell via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:39
• Bobby King def. Aviv Gozali via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
• DeAnna Bennett def. Justine Kish via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
• Jordan Newman def. Cody Herbert via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
• Justin Montalvo def. Corey Samuels via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:43
• Isaiah Hokit def. Theodore Macuka via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:59
• Jonathan DiLorenzo def. Orlando Mendoza via submission (D’arce choke) – Round 1, 1:07