| Date: 07/20 | 6:21 PM |
| Views: 1,988 | |
UFC's 155 pound champion has a big problem. According to MMACalifornia.net both UFC World Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk AND his opponent Hermes Franca from UFC 73 tested positive for steroids and were suspended by the California State Athletic Commission. Sherk tested positive for Nandrolone Metabolite, was fined $2,500, and is suspended until June 26, 2008 - he can of course appeal. Franca tested positive for Drostanolone, was fined $2,500, and is suspended until July 5, 2008 unless he appeals. Of course this leaves UFC in the unenviable position of having a champion who is unable to defend his title, and if precedent shows us anything (Tim Sylvia) a positive test and suspension will result in Sherk being stripped of his title. We'll keep you informed as more information becomes available.
UFC has also posted the story on their own website here.
FightOpinion.com has a great article and series of links on the issue of steroids in MMA here.
Further developments - Bryan Alvarez of F4W is reporting that Sherk is contesting his result, while Hermes Franca has more or less admitted he took a banned substance and knew he would fail the test - he will not be appealing the results. Alvarez believes Franca may be copping to his usage in an effort to get his suspension reduced for his honesty.