
Hermes Franca (18-6) — who has been on the shelf because of a 12-month suspension — will return to competition against Frank Edgar (8-1) at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 9, according to NBCSports.com.
Franca was popped for having a banned substance in his system (steroids) after his unanimous decision loss to then-lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, at UFC 73: “Stacked” in July 2007. He owned up to the mistake and was suspended and fined by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
It was later revealed that Franca asked to be released from his contract because he wanted to compete elsewhere. The organization granted his request; however, Franca failed to realize that if he did fight while serving a suspension that he would risk getting licensed to fight again within the United States.
If the report is accurate then it appears that Franca and the UFC have once again come to terms on a new deal or simply resurrected the old contract.
Prior to the loss and suspension, Franca was among the hottest 155-pound finders in the sport. The former WEC lightweight champion had an eight-fight win streak snapped. And all of those wins were finishes via submission, knockout or technical knockout.
For his part, Edgar will look to rebound from the first loss of his career at the hands of Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April. It was a hard-fought unanimous decision loss, during which “The Answer” had no answers for Maynard’s size advantage and successful takedowns.
Edgar was among the top contenders in the division before the loss, getting the best of Spencer Fisher, Mark Bocek and Tyson Griffin inside the Octagon.
This is a nice match up on a card that is shaping up nicely. It will be interesting to see how Franca handles the wrestling skills of Edgar — something he had trouble with in his bout against Sherk.
For the latest UFC 87 fight card and rumors click here.
17 Comments »



















Hopefully Frankie will be able to equal the success that Chris Ligouri had last night on the Elite XC card since both started training with Ricardo Almeida. This is a big fight for Edgar because Franca’s a legit BJJ fighter. Hopefully this wont turn into a lay n pray fight. I think people will be impressed with Edgar’s improvement from his last fight against Maynard
Good fight
This event looks sick!
nice! glad to see Franca back in action.
I am a big fan of Hermes. He should be able to finish Frankie standing or on the ground. I see Edgar more suited for 145 lbs. Maybe its just me!
Great fight it’s a coinflip. This will be the greatest UFC card EVER!!!!!
woot woot hermes is back
Holy Shit. props to the UFC. Screw EXC
Great fight on the ground, maybe ok standing.
its definitely not the greatest ufc card ever man…. its a solid card but not the best…
whats the best then?? theres no logic behind what ur sayin if u dont know which ones the best
If Edgar loses, he should drop to 145 and fight Faber in the WEC.
gotta love franca. i see him rocking frankie w/ some good knees to the head and winning this fight. i agree with about everyone else that edgar should be at 145, but faber would beta edgar up imo.
F Edgard beat Tyson Griffin, who’s a big dude. I don’t know what ya’ll talking about droping down to 145, just because he lost 1 fight.
he also beat spencer fisher who is no joke! and spencer used to fight at 170!
I agree with you guys, all this top about a top contendar at 155 having to move to 145 is crazy talk, I see Edgar beating Hermes in the same fashion Sherk did.
Gotta love Hermes!