According to Sherdog.com, former UFC lightweight Hermes Franca has been charged on multiple counts of sexual abuse.
Previously residing in Oregon, he operated Team Hermes Franca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Franca, 36, reportedly flew out to Oregon from Florida, and turned himself in to Clackamas County Jail on seven counts of sexual abuse and four counts of unlawful sexual penetration. These counts were in the first and second degree, respectively.
A longtime veteran of the UFC, Franca competed against some of the top competitors in the lightweight division. in 2007, his career was at an all-time high when he challenged then-UFC lightweight champion, Sean Sherk.
Sherdog.com also reports that Clackamas County Jail has held the Brazilian’s bail at $250,000, and a trial has been set for July 12th, 2011 at 9 a.m. in the Clackamas County Courthouse in Oregon City, Oregon.
Franca, a winner in three of his last four bouts, was originally scheduled to face Drew Fickett at Maximum Fighting Championship in Canada for the MFC lightweight title in June.
However, due to his arrest, MMAWeekly.com has confirmed that MFC president Mark Pavelich has terminated Franca’s contract.
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