Hermes Franca

MMAstatsbox|name=Hermes Franca

---

nick=
height=5 ft. 6 in. (168 cm)
weight=155 lb. (70 kg)
nationality=Brazilian
birthdate=birth date and age|year=1974|month=8|day=26
died=
fightingfrom=Jupiter, Florida
hometown=Fortaleza, Brazil
fightteam=Team Hermes Franca [ [http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=4888&zoneid=4 MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More: - FRANCA LEAVES THE ARMORY, STARTING NEW TEAM ] ]
fightstyle=Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
wins=18
losses=7
draws=0
ko=6
submissions=11
nocontest=|

Hermes Franca-Barros (born August 26, 1974), known as Hermes Franca, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting at Lightweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mixed martial arts career

Franca made his UFC debut at "UFC 42", defeating Richard Crunkilton by unanimous decision. He went on to win his next UFC fight against Caol Uno (who narrowly missed the lightweight championship after drawing with B.J. Penn) at "UFC 44" before losing a majority decision to Josh Thomson at "UFC 46".

His next outing in the UFC, against Yves Edwards, was unsuccessful, losing the fight by split decision. Edwards would once again beat Franca by split decision in their encounter at "Euphoria: USA vs. World" in 2005, starting what would be a very bad year – marked with three straight losses – for the Brazilian fighter.

However, 2006 would prove to be a much better year for Franca. In March, he toppled WEC champion Gabe Ruediger to capture the WEC Lightweight championship, and then knocked out Team Quest fighter Ryan Schultz to take the AFC Lightweight championship in April.

Franca would continue his winning streak against the likes of Toby Imada and Brandon Olsen before signing a contract to fight Roger Huerta at "UFC 61" in July. Although Franca's opponent was changed – Huerta pulled out due to injury, with UFC newcomer Joe Jordan taking his place – Franca still reigned successful in his UFC return, stopping Jordan by triangle choke submission in the third round.

On August 4, 2006, it was revealed that Franca had accepted a late-notice fight with Jamie Varner at "UFC 62". Franca comes in as a late replacement for Spencer Fisher, who injured his back while preparing for the fight. [http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=5212] Despite accepting the fight on short notice, Franca reigned victorious, catching Varner in an armbar submission in the third round.

Franca successfully defended his WEC Lightweight championship against Nathan Diaz, brother of UFC veteran Nick Diaz, at "WEC 24" on October 12, extending Franca's win streak in 2006 to seven consecutive victories.

Franca won his fight against Spencer Fisher at UFC Fight Night 8 by TKO in the second round; after his victory he got down on his knees (à la Georges St. Pierre) and begged UFC President Dana White to grant him a title shot against Sean Sherk. During the post-fight press conference White confirmed that Franca would be given a title shot at "UFC 73" [cite web
url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=5723
title=The World is Ready for the UFC - UFC 73 on July 7th.
publisher = UFC.com
date=2007-05-05
accessdate=2007-05-05] . Franca lost to Sean Sherk by unanimous decision. On July 19, 2007 the California State Athletic Commission announced Franca had tested positive for the banned steroid Drostanolone in a post-fight drug test following his championship fight at UFC 73. He has been suspended from competing in California until July 5, 2008 and has been fined $2,500. [ [http://www.ufcdaily.com/2007/07/19/sean-sherk-hermes-franca-test-positive-for-steroids/ Sean Sherk, Hermes Franca Test Positive for Steroids | UFC Daily ] ]

He has since left The Armory and has been removed from their main site as an instructor (http://amma.tv/).

Hermes spent early January 2008 helping BJ Penn train for his title defence against Joe Stevenson.cite web
url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=10869
title=Franca Discusses Penn's Preparation
last=Venga
first=Gleidson
publisher=Sherdog.com
date=January 19, 2008
accessdate=Januar 20, 2008]

Franca lost his first fight in the UFC (since his suspension in 2007) on July 19, 2008 to Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision.

Personal life

Hermes has a four year old son with his wife. [ [http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=6660 Article detailing his upcoming fight with Sean Sherk at UFC 73] ] Hermes lost his father when he was 14. [ [http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=6660 Article detailing his upcoming fight with Sean Sherk at UFC 73] ]

Championships

*WEC Lightweight Championship

MMA record

"""

References

See also

* List of male mixed martial artists

External links

*