At the request of Hermes himself, the UFC has released Hermes Franca from his contract.

Franca asked Joe Silva himself if he could still fight in outside organizations to make ends meet after the release. Silva obliged but CSAS executive Amando Garcia told him if he fought outside of the US during his suspension he could never fight in the US again. Franca has therefore decided not to fight and instead will host training seminars to earn money until he can return to competition.

The 33 year old confirmed the news himself recently in a post on the Underground Forum. He expects to be back in the octagon in July following his one year suspension for steroids. Franca tested positive for anabolic steroids during an event drug test and ended up sharing his fate with the former UFC lightweight champ Sean Sherk who was eventually suspended as well.

While Sherk denied ever taking the substances, Franca readily admitted his guilt and was issued the maximum suspension of 12 months by the California State Athletic Commission. Sean Sherk on the other hand appealed his test and eventually had his suspension reduced to only six months. He was later stripped of his lightweight belt.

Hermes Franca has been competing in the UFC since all the way back at UFC 42 where he defeated Richard Crunkilton via Decision. Since then he has had his ups and downs with a total UFC record of 5-3. Before his last loss to Shawn Sherk at UFC 73 in July 2007 he had won 8 straight fights in a row. This former title contender will surely be back in the title hunt later on down the road so keep an eye out for him in the future.

There is also the possibility that Hermes could be picked up by another organization for big bucks while his is on the market. Stand by for more MMA news!