After his recent arrest on various sexual charges, including assault and unlawful penetration, Hermes Franca has been released by Maximum Fighting Championship.

From the press release:

The Maximum Fighting Championship has terminated the contract of Hermes Franca as a fighter with the organization.

An immediate search is underway to replace Franca who was slated to fight Drew Fickett on Friday, June 10 at MFC 30: Up Close & Personal. Fickett's new opponent is expected to be announced shortly.

"Mr. Franca's legal situation is a matter in the hands of law enforcement officials and soon to be going before the courts and because of that there will not be any further comment on those allegations, but I have taken immediate action to indicate that he is no longer going to be part of my organization," stated MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.

"We were informed about his arrest and pending trial, and as of 10:30 a.m. MT today, he has been released. These are serious allegations that he is facing and I do not want the Maximum Fighting Championship associated in any way with these matters."

On top of legal difficulties that were revealed today, Franca twice fought outside of the MFC while under contract with the organization.

"Mr. Franca breached his contract by fighting outside of the organization only 15 days after his bout at MFC 29, and then he fought again six days after that in Brazil and lost," said Pavelich.

"I find his these actions to be incredibly disrespectful to my company and Mr. Franca is no longer welcome as part of the Maximum Fighting Championship."

We'll have more on this story as it develops.