For the majority of his career, Peter Queally has fought abroad.

In February at Bellator 217, he made the walk in his Dublin home town, in front of a sold-out crowd, and got a new experience.

“It was shocking, to be honest,” Queally said at the Bellator Dublin press conference. “(That was) not something I was ever used to because anyone who’s ever followed my career, I’ve never really fought in Ireland – it’s always been away. It was unusual for me to fight at home, and it was definitely shocking.”

He lost a split decision to Myles Price in his Bellator debut, but now hopes to make good in his return home. He takes on Ryan Scope at Bellator Europe 4, which takes place Sept. 27 at 3Arena in Dublin.

“This time, yeah, I will be better prepared for it,” Queally said. “It wasn’t a bad thing by any means, but it was an unusual feeling that I’ll be ready for this time. But it gives you energy. It’s definitely a positive thing, and I can’t wait to feel it again.”

Queally (11-5-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) was scheduled to return at Bellator 223 in London against Terry Brazier before he was forced out due to an injury. For the first time in a long while, he said he’s feeling close to 100 percent two months away from the fight.

“I was battling with injuries for a long time before I eventually pulled out,” Queally said. “I just got to the stage where I couldn’t even train anymore. So it was disappointing, but I’m excited to be here in my hometown, fighting an even tougher fight, or as tough a fight, so it’s all good.”

Queally said the moment at Bellator 217 may have gotten to him, and said he doesn’t even recall hearing his name announced. And the next Dublin show might be an even bigger event, he thinks.

“I can’t wait to be back in Dublin,” Queally said. “It’s going to be a mad scene again. I’m just used to people throwing bottles at me, throwing coins at me in Russia and things, so this was unusual for me to have people screaming my name and singing at me. So it’s just a crazy event.

“I’ve had literally hundreds of people, just random foreigners, saying they’re coming to the event just to see my walkout. So I think people know what to expect this time. I think this event is going to be bigger and better than last time, if that’s possible.”