Remember when Jake Shields' six-month suspension from fighting due to a failed post-fight drug test almost slipped through the cracks?

Well, Ed Herman, Jake's opponent at UFC 150 --- the event where Shields tested positive for using a prohibited substance --- does and "Short Fuse" says he is "pretty sure" the Cesar Gracie-trained fighter was more than likely on a performance enhancing drug (PED), not marijuana.

According to Herman, if Shields was really popped for smoking some illegal herb, which is his belief, then it wouldn't take much to come right out and admit to it. After all, Ed seems to think marijuana users get "less criticism" than those that choose to abuse PEDs.

Nick Diaz disagrees.

As far as Herman is concerned, he is "pretty positive," ( no pun intended) PED's were the real reason Shields was busted and you have to look no further than Jake's "puffed up" physique for proof.

His words to Bloody Elbow:

"I think Colorado is one of the HIPAA privacy states where they weren't allowed to release what he tested positive for. I'm pretty sure it was for some type of performance enhancing substance, just by looking at his physique going in to the fight. He looked pretty puffed up and exhibited the common signs. As an athlete, you can recognize those signs. I can't guarantee it, but I'm pretty positive that it was for some kind of performance enhancing drug. If it really was for marijuana, it's a lot easier for a guy to come right out and say, 'I smoked a joint, sorry.' You get a little less criticism that way than if you cheated and used a performance enhancer."

The loss to Shields was ultimately overturned to a no-contest (NC) following Jake's suspension, keeping Herman's three-fight win streak intact.

While Shields is finishing up his suspension (February of this year), Herman is going through his final preparations for one of the biggest tests of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career as he trades his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gloves for one night only and dons a Strikeforce pair to battle Ronaldo Souza this Saturday night (Jan 12, 2013) in Oklahoma City.

The promotion says goodbye to the MMA game with Strikeforce: "Marqaurdt vs. Saffiedine."

Many would consider the move down to the Hexagon from the Octagon a demotion, however, Herman, doesn't see it that way (anymore). He thinks of it as a chance to be a part of history:

"It does feel like I'm gonna be a part of a historic event. At first I was like, 'Aw Strikeforce? That's a downgrade,' but now that I've thought about it, I'm actually pretty excited and honored to be a part of this last event. I can always say that I'm a Strikeforce vet, as well as a UFC vet. This card is stacked, too. I'm pumped and I think it's gonna be great."

Any of you giving "Short Fuse" a chance at upsetting the former Strikeforce middleweight champion "Jacare?" Or will the submission wizard, Souza, end his career with the promotion on a high note and punch his one-way ticket into the UFC?

What's your take on Herman's theory on Jake's banned substance transgressions?