wso-andreas
03-06-2008, 06:26
Former UFC lightweight contender Hermes Franca (18-6 mma, 5-3 UFC) has agreed to return from his 12-month suspension for a failed drug test in August at UFC 87, where he's expected to meet Frankie Edgar (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC).
Our friend Mike Chiappetta from NBCSports.com reports that a source close to the event has confirmed both fighters accepted the bout.
UFC 87 takes place Aug. 9 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
After closing out the 2005 fight season with three consecutive losses, Franca was one of the feel-good stories of 2006. He won eight consecutive fights -- all via stoppage -- and earned an invitation back into the UFC. The performance earned him a title shot against then-champ Sean Sherk at UFC 73.
Like Sherk, though, Franca failed a drug test administered by the California State Athletic Commission after his failed bid at the title. Unlike Sherk, Franca admitted using the steroid drostanolone. Despite coming clean, the CSAC upheld his fine and full one-year suspension.
Franca is eligible return from the suspension on July 7.
As MMAjunkie.com reported last week, Edgar recently confirmed his involvement with UFC 87, which features a main event between UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and top contender Jon Fitch. His opponent wasn't known at the time.
Our friend Mike Chiappetta from NBCSports.com reports that a source close to the event has confirmed both fighters accepted the bout.
UFC 87 takes place Aug. 9 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
After closing out the 2005 fight season with three consecutive losses, Franca was one of the feel-good stories of 2006. He won eight consecutive fights -- all via stoppage -- and earned an invitation back into the UFC. The performance earned him a title shot against then-champ Sean Sherk at UFC 73.
Like Sherk, though, Franca failed a drug test administered by the California State Athletic Commission after his failed bid at the title. Unlike Sherk, Franca admitted using the steroid drostanolone. Despite coming clean, the CSAC upheld his fine and full one-year suspension.
Franca is eligible return from the suspension on July 7.
As MMAjunkie.com reported last week, Edgar recently confirmed his involvement with UFC 87, which features a main event between UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and top contender Jon Fitch. His opponent wasn't known at the time.