Sherk, Franca fail CSAC drug tests

Sean Sherk tested positive for Mandrolone Metabolite after his July 7 fight with Hermes Franca where he successfully defended his UFC lightweight title. The CSAC has fined him $2,500 and has suspended him for a year. Sherk is expected to appeal the suspension and should he lose, I don't see any way that the UFC keeps the lightweight title on him. If for no other reason than it is not good to have the belt out of commission for 1 entire year.

As for Franca, he tested positive for Drostanolone and is also being fined and suspended $2,500 and 1 year. He issued a statement confessing to the failure and explaining that he took the drug to help heel an ankle injury about 8 weeks prior to his fight with Sherk.

In California the Athletic Commission does not have the power to over-turn an official decision like the Nevada State Athletic Commission does.

All UFC fighters on the Sacramento event were drug tested but not all the results have been made available yet. However, we know that Mark Bocek, Frank Edgar, Jason Gilliam and Chris Lytle have all passed their tests.