Hermes Apologizes; Sherk Appeals

As we all know, UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk recently tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite following his title defense July 7, along with his challenger Hermes Franca. Both fighters have been fined and suspended for a year. Franca released a sincere apology on MMAWeekly.com however, Sherk has decided upon a different approach.

Hermes Franca has proved himself to be a class act. Franca has confessed and released a statement to MMAweekly.com, admitting that he knew he was going to fail the drug test.

Franca goes on to explain that eight weeks out from the fight, he endured a severe ankle injury that held him back from training to his full potential against Sherk. Franca requested a postponing of the fight to which the UFC denied. For this reason, Franca looked to steroids for his answer.

Here is a snippet from Franca's apology:

“At this point I was desperate and needed anything I could to get my injury as
close to healing as possible and be able to recover from the daily training
regimen I was going through. I made the shortsighted choice to hopefully
accelerate the healing process and allow me to keep training. Under the pressure
of literally not being able to pay next months bills I made a choice. I had to
fight and did whatever I could to do so.”

Franca continues by showing much regret for what he has done and how he has ultimately affected his family.

"I had not fought for 5 months. Fighting is literally how I put food on my wife
and childs table and how I pay my bills. As a fighter though, even at this
level, I live a simple life and I literally live from fight to fight. Not
getting a paycheck for another few months and losing my chance to fight Sean for
the title was overpowering. Fighting is the life I chose and I love it."

I feel pretty bad for Franca, but he chose to do what he did and unfortunately, he needs to face the consequences fair and square.

UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, on the other hand, has decided to take a different path in this steroid dilemma.

According to the Los Angeles Times , Sherk has appealed a one=year suspension and $2,500 fine that resulted from his UFC 73 failed drug test.

Sherk's hearding before CSAC will be held on August 6. After the hearing and a final ruling is reached, UFC President Dana White will decide whether or not the lightweight title will be stripped from Sean Sherk.

After retaining his UFC lightweight title with a unanimous decision over challenger Hermes Franca at UFC 73, CSAC announced that Sherk had failed his drug test, testing positive for Nandrolone Metabolite. Upon which he was suspended for a year and fined $2,500.

All this steroid bullshit is giving MMA such a bad name and horrible attention from the media, gaining much coverage from major news sites. I really hope this all blows over well and Sherk is stripped of the belt. I love Sherk, don't get me wrong, but he needs to be made an example of. The recent influx of steroids is getting ridiculous.

-The Lianger