Frank Edgar vs Hermes Franca UFC 87 fight in the works

Hermes Franca (18-6) -- who has been on the shelf because of a 12-month suspension -- will return to competition against Frank Edgar (8-1) at UFC 87: "Seek and Destroy" at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 9, according to NBCSports.com.

Franca was popped for having a banned substance in his system (steroids) after his unanimous decision loss to then-lightweight champion, Sean Sherk, at UFC 73: "Stacked" in July 2007. He owned up to the mistake and was suspended and fined by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

It was later revealed that Franca asked to be released from his contract because he wanted to compete elsewhere. The organization granted his request; however, Franca failed to realize that if he did fight while serving a suspension that he would risk getting licensed to fight again within the United States.

If the report is accurate then it appears that Franca and the UFC have once again come to terms on a new deal or simply resurrected the old contract.

Prior to the loss and suspension, Franca was among the hottest 155-pound finders in the sport. The former WEC lightweight champion had an eight-fight win streak snapped. And all of those wins were finishes via submission, knockout or technical knockout.

For his part, Edgar will look to rebound from the first loss of his career at the hands of Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 13 back in April. It was a hard-fought unanimous decision loss, during which "The Answer" had no answers for Maynard's size advantage and successful takedowns.

Edgar was among the top contenders in the division before the loss, getting the best of Spencer Fisher, Mark Bocek and Tyson Griffin inside the Octagon.

This is a nice match up on a card that is shaping up nicely. It will be interesting to see how Franca handles the wrestling skills of Edgar -- something he had trouble with in his bout against Sherk.

For the latest UFC 87 fight card and rumors click here.