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Michael McDonald to Finally Return at UFC 195

Following UFC Release, Michael McDonald Quickly Inks Bellator Deal

One-time UFC title challenger Michael McDonald is finally returning to the Octagon.

McDonald is set to return opposite Masenori Kanehara at UFC 195. UFC officials on Monday confirmed the news first reported by FOX Sports.

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One of the most promising young talents in the UFC bantamweight division, McDonald (16-3) has been sidelined for the better the past two years dealing with some serious hand injuries.

McDonald once fought Renan Barao for the interim version of the UFC bantamweight championship. He didn't win the fight, but quickly bounced back with a submission victory over Brad Pickett. He last fought in December of 2013 in a losing effort against Urijah Faber.

Kanehara (25-12-5) is a much more experienced fighter than McDonald, but has struggled to gain his footing in the Octagon.

Kanehara had fought the majority of his career in Japan, before debuting with the UFC in September of last year. He split his two trips to the Octagon, defeating Alex Caceres in his first fight before losing to Rani Yahya in his most recent bout.

UFC 195 is headlined by the welterweight title fight between current champion Robbie Lawler and former interim titleholder Carlos Condit on Jan. 2 in Las Vegas.

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