Sherk No Longer Recognized As The UFC Lightweight Champion
Today, following reports over the weekend that Sean Sherk had been stripped of the lightweight title, the UFC officially announced their decision to no longer recognize Sherk as the promotion’s title-holder:
After the California State Athletic Commission decision on Dec. 4 to reduce, but uphold, Sean Sherk’s suspension for a positive banned substance test, the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization withdrew recognition from Sherk as UFC Lightweight Champion.
The announcement also carried news that BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson will now do battle for the vacant lightweight title instead of an interim title as was previously announced:
BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson will now compete for the 155-pound championship in the main event of January 19th’s UFC 80: RAPID FIRE card in Newcastle, England.
Sherk will not have to wait long for his chance to reclaim the lightweight title as he will take on the winner of the January title bout later in 2008.
Tags: BJ Penn, Joe Stevenson, Sean Sherk
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I think the UFC did the right thing in stripping Sherk of the tittle. I dont agree that he should be the #1 contender though. He should have atleast 2 fights against top ranked opponents to regain the #1 contender spot….
I knew Dana would give him an instant shot cause of the contraversy(sp?) but he should make him take tests up to the bout. I know they are friends, but just stripping him isn’t enough. What is going on is like he isn’t being stripped at all.
I would be happier if he at least had to face one opponent before his title shot.
I hate to see it end this way to be perfectly honest. I honestly do not believe that Sherk knew what he was taking. This is not a Barry Bonds case. Sherk passed a lie detector! I believe this thing is a case of cicumstance, and it sucks.
Now as for Stevenson/Penn, I really hope for a Penn vs. Sherk fight. Easily the top two lightweights by far. Barring a lucky punch, does Stevenson have a chance? Ground game: Penn. Stand Up: Penn. Good Luck Big Daddy…
I am keeping my fingers crossed he faces someone in before the title bout since it would have been nearly a full year out of the octagon before he would fight the winner of Penn-Stevenson. I doubt they will but will a lot of lightweights I say why not have Sherk fight someone to stay in fighting shape at the very least.
Dana did what he had to do. Zuffa wants to make so many rule changes and will need to maintain a good relationship with the various state commissions. To undermine their decision would have been a bad move on their part. I have no problem with them giving #1 status to Sherk however, since I do believe him when he said he didn’t knowingly take a banned substance (it may have been a Xyience Drink).
Everyone wins, the fans get to see Penn/Stevenson for potentially 5 rounds, they win because they have a title shot, Sherk wins because while being stripped he will be able to win back the belt immediately, Zuffa wins because of these fights and the CSAC wins by having their verdict respected.
Once again….I am tired of hearing about this. He gets caught taking steriods and gets busted. Then he appeals, that drags on forever……then he keeps his title, now he gets stripped. Whatever, either way, lets just get over Sherk now.
Roids…don’t the chicks take those in East Germany?
to my understanding im sure sherk will have to face someone b4 the winner of the up coming fight between penn and stevenson cuz dana white has stated that becuz roger huerta won against guida he is now the number one contender for the LW title and he deserves a shot at whoever wins the title aka BJ penn we all know hes going to win this title…
i say let sherk fight guida….that could have all the makings of a barn burner…any1 agree???
If Guida keeps the mop out of his face.. Personally I feel sherk should have to work his way back up.. He shouldn’t be one or even two fights away. I don’t think any steroid user should be able to compete for a belt for 2 years
You assume Sherk didn’t knowingly take a banned substance. Dana believes Sherk didn’t and as a result is giving him a fight between the winner of Penn/Stevenson. I personally believe he didn’t intentionally take a banned substance, so I agree with their decision. Of course, I’d be more inclined to agree with those of you who are asking for Sherk to “earn” his way back up if he did intentionally break the rules (again, which I think he didn’t). We’ll have to agree to disagree.
It’s so sad to see him get stripped of the title, but he did something wrong and he is paying the price for it. He’ll be back and a fight with him and BJ will be nuts!
The UFC reaps all the hype, notoriety & PR from the controversey. CSAC & UFC save face. Fans get 2 great fights. Once again crafty Dana makes lemonade.
I enjoy lemonade. Thanx Dana!
Sherk will be back stronger and hungrier; the guy is too good to not be a top contender in the Lightweight Division for the rest of his MMA career. Sherk vs. Penn is a dream match at Lightweight; hopefully it happens.
It looks like Sherk is already promoting a grudge match with Penn. I just read an interview with Sherk where he called BJ a “PUNK”. I hope BJ stomps a hole in Sherk’s face (but avoids DQ of coarse)
if someone honestly thinks that he did not know he was taking roids, you are an idiot. sherk was about as square faced and roided up for the past 3 years as you can get. get real people. look at him grow b**** tits over the next 6 months since he gets off cold turkey.