After Sean Sherk's convincing five-round decision victory against Hermes Franca in the UFC lightweight championship match at UFC 73 earlier this month, word around the mixed martial arts world was that Sherk would defend his title against BJ Penn in Newark in November.
(AP Photo -- Sherk about to drop Franca at UFC 73)
But nearly two weeks after Sherk successfully defended his title, both the champ and the challenger tested positive for banned substances, were fined $2,500 each and given one-year suspensions by the California State Athletic Commission.
So now what?
I think the UFC should give Penn his title shot -- for the vacant belt that is. Who would he fight? Well with all the talent at 155 now, that's not such an easy call.
Here are two fighters who I think deserve shots at the UFC lightweight belt:
Joe Stevenson
Roger Huerta
Penn vs. Stevenson: The only problem here is that Stevenson is fighting Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 74 in August. If he gets by Pellegrino, two months might not be enough time for a title shot in November. Even though Penn's ground game is on another level compared to most fighters, Stevenson has a very strong jiu-jitsu/wrestling base. But I'd have to give the stand-up edge to Penn, even though that could be an interesting match.
Penn vs. Huerta: Again, same deal. Huerta is fighting at UFC 74 against Alberto Crane (8-0 MMA), who is making his UFC debut. With Huerta and Penn throwing hands the whole time, this match would probably be the most exciting out of the pair. Huerta is 4-0 in the UFC and always puts on a show in the cage. Penn, in my opinion, can win the championship in THREE different weight classes. Yep, three (lightweight, welterweight, middleweight). He would be giving some weight to a 185-pounder, but his talent would make up for it.
I think they should hold off with the hypothetical vacant title match until we see what happens at UFC 74. I also think they should switch matches, let Huerta fight Stevenson and whoever wins that match gets the title shot. Just an idea.
Other notables: Three 155-pounders that I think are one big win away from a title shot -- Kenny Florian, Spencer Fisher, Frank Edgar.
Fightin' Words readers: Which UFC fighter deserves the title shot?