Hermes França

Hermes França Barros
Born (1974-08-26) August 26, 1974
Fortaleza, Brazil
Occupation Fighter
Criminal penalty 42 months in state prison
Criminal status Completed his prison sentence and deported to Brazil in April 2014
Conviction(s) One count of unlawful penetration, one count of 1st degree sexual abuse.
Hermes França
Born (1974-08-26) August 26, 1974
Fortaleza, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division Lightweight
Reach 70.5 in (179 cm)
Style BJJ, Boxing,
Fighting out of Jupiter, Florida, United States
Team Team Hermes Franca[1]
Rank      Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active 2001–2011, 2014–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 40
Wins 23
By knockout 7
By submission 14
By decision 2
Losses 16
By knockout 8
By decision 8
No contests 1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Hermes França Barros (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈeʁmiʃ ˈfɾɐ̃sɐ]; born August 26, 1974) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He has competed for the UFC, WEC, MFC, and Israel FC. He is a former WEC Lightweight Champion, and former UFC Lightweight Championship contender.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

França made his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut on 17 November 2001, with a win over future WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Skinner. He quickly earned an undefeated streak of 6–0, finishing all his opponents under the limit of the second round, drawing the attention of the UFC.

First UFC run

França made his UFC debut at UFC 42, defeating Richard Crunkilton by unanimous decision. He won 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 França 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.

After UFC release

However, 2006 would prove to be a much better year for França. 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.

França continued 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 França's opponent was changed – Huerta pulled out due to injury, with UFC newcomer Joe Jordan taking his place – França still reigned successful in his UFC return, stopping Jordan by triangle choke submission in the third round.

Second UFC run

On August 4, 2006, it was revealed that França had accepted a late-notice fight with Jamie Varner at UFC 62. França came in as a late replacement for Spencer Fisher, who injured his back while preparing for the fight.[2] Despite accepting the fight on short notice, França reigned victorious, catching Varner in an armbar submission in the third round.

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

França 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 França would be given a title shot at UFC 73.[3] França lost to Sean Sherk by unanimous decision. On July 19, 2007, the California State Athletic Commission announced França had tested positive for the banned steroid Drostanolone in a post-fight drug test following his championship fight at UFC 73. He had been suspended from competing in California until July 5, 2008 and had been fined $2,500.[4]

He has since left The Armory and was then removed from their main site as an instructor.

Franca spent early January 2008 helping BJ Penn train for his five-round fight against Joe Stevenson for the vacant UFC lightweight championship at UFC 80.[5]

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

He then defeated Marcus Aurélio via unanimous decision at UFC 90 on October 25, 2008.

França was scheduled to fight Joe Lauzon on February 7 in the main event for UFC Fight Night 17.[6] However, França pulled out of the event with a torn anterior crucial ligament in his right knee.[7] França made his return against Tyson Griffin on September 19, 2009, at UFC 103. Franca lost his fight to Tyson Griffin in the second round via TKO (Punches) after Griffin caught him with a straight right followed up by brutal ground and pound, eventually knocking out França for his second ever KO loss.

After his defeat at the hands of Tyson Griffin at UFC 103, França was released by the organization, along with other UFC veterans, Chris Wilson, Marcus Aurélio and Justin McCully.[8]

After second UFC release

Following the loss to Eric Wisely and losing four out of his last five fights, Franca announced through his manager, Reed Wallace, his retirement.[9]

Franca has since come out of retirement and has bounced back after an 0-3-1 record in four fights during 2010. Franca won via submission in February 2011 then scored two wins in April 2011 defeating Robert Washington and Josh Thorpe.

Xtreme Vale Todo 5 controversy

At the Xtreme Vale Todo 5 event in Costa Rica on December 19, 2010, Hermes Franca was awarded a judges' decision over Ferrid Kheder before the promoter, Lu Dwyer, attempted to overturn it, causing widespread controversy. In addition to the fight's announcer, all three judges and the referee had scored the bout in favor of Franca. Regardless of the actual scores, Lu Dwyer declared Kheder the victor, and another promoter raised Kheder's hand in victory after the referee refused to do so.[10]

There is a potential conflict of interest because Kheder is primarily sponsored by Dwyer and her business J & L Irrigation. Dwyer sponsors "Team FK" by paying his living expenses and taking a percentage of his winnings.[11]

Days after his controversial decision win, Ferrid Kheder posted on his Facebook page that Dwyer decided to overturn the fight result to a "No Contest" and suggested a five-round rematch, presumably in the same promotion.[12]

Arrest, MFC termination, and prison sentence

Franca appeared to be back on track, winning at MFC 29 and being slotted in to fight Drew Fickett for the promotion's vacant lightweight championship at MFC 30 on June 10, 2011. Franca, however, turned himself in to Clackamas County Sheriff's officials in mid-May 2011 and was charged with multiple sexual battery charges.[13] MFC president Mark Pavelich then terminated Franca's contract on May 19, 2011, citing the arrest and Franca having fought two times outside of the organization, breaching his contract.[14]

Franca pleaded guilty to one count of attempted unlawful penetration and was sentenced to 42 months in state prison; he was also sentenced to four and a half years probation after he serves his prison sentence and must register as a sex offender.[15]

Return to MMA

Following his arrest and deportation to Brazil, Franca returned from a three-year retirement and faced Marcio Breno at Extreme Fighter: Nordeste on August 28, 2014.[16] He lost the bout via first-round knockout.[17]

Personal life

Franca and his wife have one son.[18] Franca lost his father when he was 14.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–16 (1) Fanil Rafikov KO (punches) Akhmat Fight Show 12 December 16, 2015 1 1:14 Astana, Kazakhstan
Loss 23–15 (1) James Silveira TKO (punches) Action Fight 2 November 28, 2015 2 2:11 Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil
Win 23–14 (1) Khasan Askhabov Submission (guillotine choke) Battle in Grozny 5 August 22, 2015 2 2:37 Grozny, Chechnya, Russia
Loss 22–14 (1) Shamil Zavurov KO (punch) Grozny Fights 3 June 13, 2015 1 0:42 Grozny, Chechnya, Russia
Loss 22–13 (1) Márcio Breno KO (punches) Extreme Fighter: Nordeste August 28, 2014 1 0:34 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
Loss 22–12 (1) Thawa Ril KO (punches) International Fighter Championship April 29, 2011 2 0:56 Pernambuco, Brazil
Win 22–11 (1) Josh Thorpe Submission (rear-naked choke) Gladiator Cage Fights - Knockout Night 1 April 23, 2011 1 1:36 Marion, Illinois, United States
Win 21–11 (1) Robert Washington TKO (punches) MFC 29: Conquer April 8, 2011 2 0:26 Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Win 20–11 (1) Jorge Sarat Submission (armbar) GForce Promotions: Bad Blood 5 February 26, 2011 1 2:27 Grand Rapids, MI, United States
NC 19–11 (1) Ferrid Kheder NC (overturned) Xtreme Vale Todo 5 December 19, 2010 3 5:00 Cartago, Costa Rica Original loss; turned to a NC after controversy. All 3 judges scored the bout for Franca.
Loss 19–11 Moshe Kaitz Decision (unanimous) Israel FC: Genesis November 9, 2010 3 5:00 Tel Aviv, Israel
Loss 19–10 Eric Wisely Decision (unanimous) Scorpius Fighting Championships 1 September 24, 2010 3 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States First bout since coming out of retirement.
Loss 19–9 Eric Wisely TKO (punches) Max Fights DM Ballroom Brawl IV January 8, 2010 1 2:03 West Des Moines, Iowa, United States For Max Fights DM Interim Lightweight Championship; Franca retired after the loss.
Loss 19–8 Tyson Griffin KO (punches) UFC 103 September 19, 2009 2 3:26 Dallas, Texas, United States Catchweight bout (159 pounds).
Win 19–7 Marcus Aurélio Decision (unanimous) UFC 90 October 25, 2008 3 5:00 Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Loss 18–7 Frankie Edgar Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin July 19, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won Fight of the Night award.
Loss 18–6 Sean Sherk Decision (unanimous) UFC 73 July 7, 2007 5 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States For UFC Lightweight Championship; Both fighters tested positive for banned substances.
Win 18–5 Spencer Fisher TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night 8 January 25, 2007 2 4:03 Hollywood, Florida, United States Won Fight of the Night award.
Win 17–5 Nate Diaz Submission (armbar) WEC 24: Full Force October 12, 2006 2 2:46 Lemoore, California, United States Defended WEC Lightweight Championship. Vacated title after bout.
Win 16–5 Jamie Varner Submission (armbar) UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral August 26, 2006 3 3:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won Fight of the Night award.
Win 15–5 Joe Jordan Submission (triangle choke) UFC 61: Bitter Rivals July 8, 2006 3 0:47 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won Submission of the Night award.
Win 14–5 Brandon Olsen Submission (armbar) WEC 21: Tapout June 15, 2006 1 0:40 Highland, California, United States Defended WEC Lightweight Championship
Win 13–5 Toby Imada Submission (armbar) TC 14: Throwdown May 13, 2006 1 0:53 Del Mar, California, United States
Win 12–5 Ryan Schultz KO (punches) AFC 16: Absolute Fighting Championships 16 April 22, 2006 1 3:30 Fort Lauderdale, United States
Win 11–5 Gabe Ruediger KO (punches) WEC 19: Undisputed March 17, 2006 1 0:36 Lemoore, California, United States Won WEC Lightweight Championship
Loss 10–5 Kotetsu Boku Decision (majority) Hero's 3 September 7, 2005 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 10–4 Ray Cooper KO (punches) Shooto Hawaii: Unleashed March 25, 2005 1 2:57 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 10–3 Yves Edwards Decision (split) Euphoria: USA vs World February 26, 2005 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 10–2 Manny Reyes Jr. KO (punches) AFC 10: Absolute Fighting Championships 10 October 30, 2004 1 0:37 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 9–2 Phil Johns Submission (rear-naked choke) Euphoria: Road to the Titles October 15, 2004 1 0:47 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss 8–2 Yves Edwards Decision (split) UFC 47 April 2, 2004 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–1 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) UFC 46 January 31, 2004 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–0 Caol Uno KO (punch) UFC 44 September 26, 2003 2 2:46 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–0 Richard Crunkilton Decision (unanimous) UFC 42 April 25, 2003 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Win 6–0 Ryan Diaz Submission (guillotine choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships December 13, 2002 1 4:23 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Catchweight 150lbs[19]
Win 5–0 Anthony Hamlett TKO (punches) HOOKnSHOOT: New Wind September 7, 2002 1 Evansville, Indiana, United States Won HnS Featherweight Championship[20]
Win 4–0 Yohei Suzuki Submission (guillotine choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Relentless May 25, 2002 1 1:04 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 3–0 Don Kaecher Submission (armbar) WEF 12: World Extreme Fighting 12 May 11, 2002 2 2:00 Steubenville, Ohio, United States
Win 2–0 Mike Willus Submission (triangle choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Overdrive March 9, 2002 1 4:00 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 1–0 Mike Brown Submission (triangle choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Kings 1 November 17, 2001 1 2:21 Evansville, Indiana, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More: - FRANCA LEAVES THE ARMORY, STARTING NEW TEAM
  2. ↑ Savage, Greg (2006-08-04). "UFC 62: Fisher Out, Franca In". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
  3. ↑ "The World is Ready for the UFC - UFC 73 on July 7th.". UFC.com. 2007-05-05. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
  4. ↑ "Sean Sherk, Hermes França Test Positive for Steroids". UFC Daily.
  5. ↑ Venga, Gleidson (January 19, 2008). "Franca Discusses Penn's Preparation". Sherdog.com. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  6. ↑ http://fightticker.com/story_0127091105_hermes_franca_injured_out_of_ufc_fight_night_bout_with_joe_lauzon
  7. ↑ "Injury forces Hermes França off UFC Fight Night 17 card". MMAJunkie.
  8. ↑ "The latest 4 UFC fighters to be released". bloodyelbow.com. 2009-10-05. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  9. ↑ http://mmaweekly.com/former-wec-champ-hermes-franca-calls-it-quits
  10. ↑ "Hermes Franca speaks out about Xtreme Vale Todo fiasco". mixedmartialarts.com. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2010-12-21.
  11. ↑ Brent Brookhouse. "Updated: Hermes Franca Falls Victim to Unregulated International MMA, Result Appears to Have Been Overturned". Bloody Elbow.
  12. ↑ "Franca vs. Ferrid Kheder ruled a no-contest". MiddleEasy.
  13. ↑ "Hermes Franca Arrested on Multiple Counts of Sexual Abuse; MFC Fires Him". MMAWeekly.com. 2010-05-19.
  14. ↑ "MFC Officials Fire Hermes Franca Citing Arrest and Breach of Contract". MMAWeekly.com. 2010-05-19.
  15. ↑ "UFC vet Hermes Franca sentenced to 42 months in prison". MMAjunkie.com. January 6, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Hermes Franca ready for first post-deportation fight in Brazil". mmafighting.com. August 26, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Extreme Fighter: Hermes Franca vs. Marcio Breno". tapology.com. August 28, 2014.
  18. ↑ Article detailing his upcoming fight with Sean Sherk at UFC 73
  19. ↑ http://fcfighter.com/post/hooknshoot-preview
  20. ↑ http://fcfighter.com/post/hooknshoot-new-wind

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Gabe Ruediger		 3rd WEC Lightweight Championship
March 17, 2006 - December, 2006 		Vacant
title was vacated when
Zuffa purchased WEC
Title next held by
Rob McCullough
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