Mike Chiappetta • E-mail

Hermes Franca, currently serving a suspension for a positive steroid test from a match last July, is expected to return to the UFC shortly, a source told NBCSports.com.

Franca, who tested positive for drostanolone following his July 7, 2007 lightweight title decision loss against Sean Sherk, is expected to take on Frankie Edgar at UFC 87. Franca is currently still unable to fight in any states that sanction MMA, but his one-year ban will end on July 5, making him eligible for the August 9 event in Minneapolis.

The fight is not officially signed but both parties have agreed to the bout, according to the source.

Franca (18-6) had won eight straight fights prior to losing to Sherk at UFC 73. Ironically, Sherk also tested positive for steroids, but unlike Franca, he appealed the decision and had his suspension reduced to six months.

Franca asked for, and was granted, his release after the suspension but was always expected to return to the UFC.

Edgar started his career with eight straight wins, including victories over highly regarded lightweights Tyson Griffin and Spencer Fisher, before dropping his last bout, a unanimous decision to Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 13.

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