"I'm so happy I'm back and I can't wait to put on the most exciting fight ever on July 19th on Spike TV in the UFC," stated UFC lightweight Hermes Franca as he talked about his return to the Octagon and his upcoming clash with Frankie Edgar. Check out what else he had to say about the Edgar, the fight and much more.
PC: Hermes, it's been awhile my man. How have you been?
HF: I'm doing well. I'm just teaching and training; that's what I do every day.
PC: You're out in Brazil training. How is that coming along?
HF: I am training a lot of BJJ out here in Brazil at the Muay Thai Academy. I have excellent cardio and a great conditioning coach.
PC: Who are you training with out there to prepare for Frankie Edgar?
HF: I was suppose to fight on August 9th so I came here to Clay Guida's camp, but then I got the call from Mr. Silva and the UFC that my fight was moved up to July 19th. I decided to stay in Brazil and finish my training here. It's going great!
PC: It will have been over a year when you step inside the Octagon for this fight. What type of reception are you expecting?
HF: I think I will receive the same reception as I did before. My fans are very excited to have me back and I'm excited to be back for them and they are supporting me more than ever.
PC: Was it awkward for you seeing Sean Sherk fight for the title while you were still suspended?
HF: I don't feel anything. That situation is over and I put it behind me.
PC: What do you feel is the biggest change in the lightweight division since you're suspension?
HF: I don't think too much has changed, just some new fighters coming in and some fighters leaving. That's how it goes. This is the MMA life; constant change.
PC: What was it like for you to get that call with a fight lined up after so much time had passed?
HF: I don't think it's been that long. I've been training as usual and there are some fighters that only fight once or twice a year. I am prepared to fight anybody at anytime.
PC: Were you a little shocked with the way BJ picked Sherk apart?
HF: Not at all.
PC: You were on an 8-fight winning streak before your loss to Sherk. What do you feel you have to do to get the ball back rolling?
HF: All I have to do is step in the cage
PC: Can we expect the same aggressive Hermes Franca?
HF: No, I'll be even more aggressive.
PC: You've had a lot of time out of the Octagon. What have you been doing to keep busy and how long have you been back in training?
HF: Yes, it seems like a long time. I can't believe I'm fighting again in 2 weeks. I have been spending time with my family, training and teaching seminars. We have Hermes Franca schools all over the USA; it's great times right now.
PC: Have you kept up with what's going on in the division and if so, have you been impressed by Frankie Edgar?
HF: Yes and I was very impressed with a couple of his wins against some tough guys. He is definitely a top contender in the division.
PC: Edgar is not as strong as Sherk, but is it a little disappointing facing another wrestler or do you feel like you've gotten better in that aspect of your game?
HF: No, I'm a fighter. I can't decide what fight I'm going to fight. I have to be ready for any fighter, wrestler, Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. I have to be ready for anything and I can't wait to get back in the cage.
PC: Are you a little nervous coming into this fight, not knowing what reaction you will get from the crowd and having not fought in so long?
HF: No, my fans have let me know their reactions already through the web and at the Academies. We have great support from all of the fans.
PC: Good to have you back Hermes and best of luck next month. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
HF: Yes, first I want to apologize for my past mistake. I want to apologize to my fans, the UFC, the Commissions and to my family. I will be an example to others not to make the same errors that I did. I'm so happy I'm back and I can't wait to put on the most exciting fight ever on July 19th on Spike TV in the UFC. I want to thank Premier Martial Arts, Tapout, White Chocolate Management and most of all, my family for all of their support.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]