Bellator 281: Charlie Ward Talks Long Layoff, Describes Car Accident That Caused Injury

London – Bellator middleweight Charlie Ward has been out of action since Oct. 2020, but he returns this Friday at Bellator 281 against newcomer Alan Carlos.

Ward (9-4) returns after almost an almost two-year layoff. Part of it was due to an injury he suffered which put him on the shelf for a while. He spoke about the time off at media day.

“Yeah I was involved in a car accident as well. We believe that the impact led to tearing my bicep. It is what it is. I’m back. I’m hungrier than ever because it can get taken away from you very quickly. I’m ready to go,” Ward said.

Even during his absence Ward has been called out by other middleweights, namely Johnny Eblen who is set to fight for the title later this year.

“Me and Johnny had a little bit of back and forth, but yeah it’s all good. It’s one thing about me I don’t go into that side of it. I’m willing to fight anybody so I’m here. That’s why I’m here,” said Ward.

He doesn’t get a title challenger, but a newcomer in Carlos who will look to jump start his Bellator career with a win over Ward.

“I know nothing at all other than his name is Alan. I mean he’s a jiu jitsu guy, but I can handle jiu jitsu guys. Yeah I don’t know much about him. I didn’t look into him, but it’s not just him. I never do. As they say I deal with what’s in front of me when it’s in front of me. I usually do alright,” Ward said.

With so much time off Ward will be looking to make a statement in London which isn’t too far from his hometown of Dublin, Ireland.

“(London) is like my second home. I lived here for, on and off, over 10 years plus. After the layoff as they said your respect was taken away from you. Not just this, I always come hard, so yeah I’m looking forward to it,” Ward said.

As far as future bout following his fight at Bellator 281 Ward remained true to how he does business in the fight game.

“Whoever they put in front of me I will fight. Whether they’re #10 or #1 I don’t mind.”

Watch the full Bellator 281 media day appearance from Charlie Ward above. Ward faces Alan Carlos in the middleweight division this Friday, May 13, 2022 as part of Bellator 281 at the SSE Arena, Wembley in London, England.