Albuquerque, N.M. – Top UFC welterweight contender Diego Sanchez had the 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 peak physical condition.

"I feel great," Sanchez said to Penny Jo MMA. "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.