You won’t find too many fighters in mixed martial arts today who are as quick with a smile and who look as happy to be here as Hermes Franca. Perhaps it’s because he not only knows what it takes to get to the UFC, but what it’s like to be on the outside looking in, a feeling he has known all too well over the course of his seven year pro career.
The first disappointment was in 2004, when his 2-0 UFC record turned to 2-2 after losses to Josh Thomson and Yves Edwards. That was okay though; Franca was 29, both losses were close decisions, and the UFC was about the put the lightweight class on hiatus later that year anyway.
Franca would bounce back with two victories later that year, and he was positive about his prospects for 2005 when a three fight losing streak put his career on the skids. Forget the UFC; many thought Franca was done as a top flight fighter anywhere.
But resilient to the end, Franca came back in 2006 and went on an eight fight winning streak that included three wins in his return to the UFC and victories over current WEC lightweight champ Jamie Varner, Nate Diaz, and Spencer Fisher. Oh yeah, he finished all eight of those fights by TKO, KO, or submission.
The resurrection of Franca’s career was complete; now he just had to win the 155-pound title last July against Sean Sherk. But it wasn’t to be as he landed some thudding knees to the head of the champion but was unable to separate him from his senses or his crown over 25 minutes of action.
“It wasn't my night,” said Franca.
It was a gallant effort though, one that would have allowed him to jump right back into the title mix if not for a positive post-fight drug test for the steroid Drostanolone.
To his credit, Franca immediately took responsibility for taking the drug, which he said was to accelerate the healing process on an injured ankle, but the California State Athletic Commission didn’t lighten his sentence any, suspending him for a year. Again, he was on the outside looking in, and the feelings of the past came rushing back.
“Both hurt me so bad,” said Franca when asked what was worse, the three fight losing streak or the year suspension. “But it is what it is. I think what’s most important is that it’s over now.”
Last week, Franca’s suspension was lifted and he was cleared to return this Saturday night (Spike TV 9pm ET / 6pm PT) to face young gun Frankie Edgar. And the 33-year old is smiling again, laughing when stating what he missed the most while away.
“Fighting, of course.”
Well, he’ll get a fight from Edgar, whose three fight UFC win streak was snapped in April by Gray Maynard. Add in the fact that the New Jersey native is now training with middleweight standout Ricardo Almeida, and Franca will have to have his game on point if he wants to start another winning streak of his own.
“For sure he will come strong and fast,” said Franca of Edgar. “I have to stop him quickly.”
To that end, Franca relocated his training camp from his usual haunts in Florida to his home city of Fortaleza, Brazil.
In Florida I have my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym, but it’s just students and not fighters, so I decided to go to Brazil and work with coaches in my city Fortaleza,” said Franca. “There are great fighters and great coaches there, I’m next to my family and have good food and good weather. I totally changed my game; I am working really hard and eating really well, as a professional.”
And while he admits being excited about competing in a division where the landscape has changed considerably since his last fight, don’t expect him to simply pull up a chair and stare in awe at his peers – Franca’s back and he’s chasing that title again.
“I am a great fighter and I just need be back in the cage and do my job,” said Franca. “The belt's coming.”
Want to Leave a Comment?