One of the world’s premier female fighters will return to action in June after a one-year layoff. Washington native Lisa Ward has signed with Bellator Fighting Championships and may compete at Bellator 23 on June 17th. Ward announced the news today, but no opponent has been named.

Ward last competed in a losing effort in a June 28, 2009 rematch with long-time DEEP champ Miku “Supernova” Matsumoto in Japan. She holds wins over Matsumoto, Jessica Aguilar and Ayumi “Edge” Saito and maintained a seven-fight winning streak between 2006 and 2007.

Ward (12-5-0) has battled many of the best female fighters in the lighter weight classes during her five-plus years as a professional. After opening her career with a modest 2-2 record, the submission specialist picked up seven wins that led to a showdown with pound-for-pound queen Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii in Vancouver. Fujii emerged victorious, but Ward has since won three of her last five fights and reigned undefeated in the now-defunct Fatal Femmes Fighting promotion. With Bellator looking to develop a credible 115-pound women’s division, Ward will be an excellent addition.

Bellator’s third season begins in August and the promotion aims to feature an eight-woman 115-pound women’s tournament that will feature both Megumi Fujii and Rosi Sexton. Ward will likely be part of the tournament and other fighters have already signed on to participate. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)