October 26, 2011 Penny Buffington - PennyJoMMA

Albuquerque, N.M. – Top UFC Welterweight contender Diego "The Dream" Sanchez had a cast removed from his right hand yesterday, clearing him to resume full training activities.

Sanchez was slated to fight Matt Hughes at UFC 135 on Sept. 24 when he suffered a broken bone in his right hand on Sept. 5, forcing him out of the fight.

Even though he has been injured, Sanchez has continued to train full-time, staying in pique physical condition.

"I feel great," Sanchez said. "In some senses, this injury has been a blessing, because I’ve been forced to train in ways and on things that I never before had thought of or considered. I truly feel as going though this injury is going to make me a better fighter in the long run."

"I can’t wait to get back in the Octagon and compete. I think the fans will like what they see too," he added.

No new fight has yet been scheduled for Sanchez, who holds a 25-4 career record.