Get excited: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Diego Sanchez and others making UFC return soon

I'll be the first to admit that this UFC.com article is another cog in the UFC hype machine. But damn it, sometimes the hype is real.

Here are 10 fighters who will be making their long-awaited return to the Octagon after a prolonged absence:

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Last fought: April 19, 2014
Returns: Dec. 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale

Is there any fighter more deserving of the monicker the "uncrowned champion" than this guy? With a record of 22-0, the Dagestani Combat Sambo Master has beaten all comers including a ragdolling of current lightweight champion Raphael dos Anjos. Here's a non-UFC fan video to get you really amped up:

2. Diego Sanchez

Last fought: June 7, 2014
Returns: Nov. 21, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Brown vs. Gastelum

There are plenty of extra miles on the body of Diego Sanchez and even his most ardent fans will admit that there's probably not much gas left in the tank. But the fact is that Sanchez brings it unlike any other fighter past or present in UFC. He might be overmatched against top featherweight contender Ricardo Lamas but you can expect a war when Sanchez makes his featherweight debut next month.

3. Nate Diaz

Last fought: Dec. 13, 2014
Returns: Dec. 19, 2015 at UFC on FOX: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone

Stockton, bitch! Look, I'll the first to say that the Diaz brothers are inconsistent, at times whiny, disrespectful, and often needlessly hostile but few fighters can absorb the licks of damage they can and call it ice cream. Diaz is taking on a striker in Michael Johnson, which means this very much plays into the world of 209 Stockton scrapping. There's no question Diaz will be the underdog, but it would be foolish to outright discount a guy who clowned the current lightweight number one contender.

4. Erik Perez

Last fought: June 7, 2014
Returns: Nov. 21, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Brown vs. Gastelum

Anybody remember "Goyito"? Although injuries forced the Mexican bantamweight from action for a year and a half, there's a lot to get excited about in his return. Not only does Perez have heavy hands for a 135 pounder, you can be assured that his training at the elite Jackson Wink camp in Albuquerque will not have rusted them during his time off. Despite being 1-2 in recent trips to the Octagon, Perez is still only 25 years of age and could be a dark horse contender in his weight class.

5. Yoshihiro Akiyama

Last fought: Sept. 20, 2014
Returns: Nov. 28, 2015 at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Alves

Sexyama! Look, at 40 years of age and just one fight since 2012 it's unlikely we're going to see any major fireworks inside the Octagon. But the guy just has that aura about him which makes his fights a "can't miss." I mean, his walkouts are legendary. He's also a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Judo. Who else, other than Ronda Rousey, is going to be able to do this inside the cage?

6. Dominick Cruz

Last fought: Sept. 27, 2014
Returns: Jan. 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz

That high-pitched sound you hear isn't your kettle boiling. It's me squealing like a little kid. This fight is going to be absolutely epic. Not only will this be the ultimate test of whose stance-switching style is superior, I feel that the Dominator really has a lot he wants to prove to the world. This could be a fight for the ages. For a complete breakdown on the man whom you may have forgotten, nobody does it better than Fightland's Jack Slack. Seriously, click that link.

7. Tamdan McCrory 

Last fought: Aug. 8, 2009
Returns: Dec. 19, 2015 at UFC on Fox 17

This is a hell of a compelling story. The "Barn Cat" decided to retire from mixed martial arts at the old age of 22 and took a five year vacation from the sport. Something lured him back, however, and the 28-year-old returned to Bellator MMA with two quick and brutal finishes over his opponents. His return to UFC will be against Josh Samman, another fighter who is surging after some setbacks in life. This ranks on the list solely for the "Rocky" factor.

8, 9 and 10: Court McGee, Mike Pierce, Reza Madadi

I'm not going to hype these guys up as they're definitely third stringers on the UFC roster, however all three are coming back from long layoffs and have a lot to prove in their returns. TUF Season 11 winner Court McGee has always been known to bring a high offensive output and a durable chin to his fights. Pierce is also returning from a two year layoff after Rousimar Palhares wrecked his leg at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Shields. And Reza Madadi returns after two years as well, with his last win coming over Michael Johnson. Yes, THAT Michael Johnson. Where has he been all this time? Um, in prison.

Who are you Maniacs looking forward to seeing the most? I'm torn between Nurmagomedov and Cruz, although the fanboy in me also wants to see Sanchez. I can't decide!

Source: mmamania.com