Bantamweight Michael McDonald finally healthy, hoping to fight before end of the year

After nearly two years away, bantamweight Michael McDonald is finally ready to make his return to the Octagon.

As reported on UFC tonight, McDonald's coach Jason House said the 24-year old McDonald -- who has been dealing with a nagging right hand injury for a long while -- is hoping to come back before the end of 2015.

"Mayday" McDonald last competed in on UFC of FOX 9, on Dec. 2013 against Urijah Faber. Then only 22 years old, McDonald lost that night in Sacramento a second-round submission (guillotine). Before then he had gone 5-1 in the UFC, with key victories over Miguel Torres and Brad Pickett.

McDonald Renan Barao for the interim bantamweight title in Feb. 2013 in London, but came up short in his bid. He lost via submission (arm-triangle choke) in the fourth round.

Known as one of the heavier strikers in the division, McDonald scored a Knockout of the Night bonus at UFC 131 when he put away Alex Soto via punches.