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According to NBCSports.com, it seems Frank Edgar will take on former UFC Lightweight contender Hermes Franca at UFC 87 on August 9:

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.

Not only would this mark the return of Hermes Franca to action following a year-long suspension resulting from a positive steroid test, it would also mark the return of Franca to the UFC. Franca was released from his contract with the company at his request, citing the need to fight elsewhere in order to provide for his family. It was not until after he received his release that Franca learned that accepting a match while under suspension by a state athletic commission, in this case California, would see Franca's suspension converted from one year to indefinite.

Additionally, it is interesting that the UFC would bring Franca back at this time. Franca was summarily defeated by then champion Sean Sherk, who was himself dispatched by current champion BJ Penn last Saturday. With such a packed lightweight division, the UFC could have easily justified letting Franca sign with another organization, despite his typically exciting style. This may signify the end of the UFC's recent talent purge, which was said to trim the talent roster to the 150 fighter range, down from roughly 250.