Brennan Ward would just as soon forget 2014. After starting his career 9-1, he dropped consecutive fights, leaving some to wonder whether or not he had hit his ceiling as a mixed martial artist. He was choked out by Alexander Shlemenko in the second round before being knocked out in 21 seconds by Tamdan McCrory.
Ward recalibrated his training and downshifted to 170 pounds, giving rise to a quick turnaround. The Connecticut native will carry a two-fight winning streak into his Bellator 144 co-main event with Dennis Olson on Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.