Hermes Franca (19-8), following a TKO loss against Eric Wisely, announced his retirement from MMA:

His manager, Reed Wallace of White Chocolate Management, informed MMAWeekly.com of his fighter's decision late Friday night.

“The fans gave me the passion and strength that kept me competing at the championship levels for all these years. Without them, I couldn't have done it.
I owe it all to the fans,” said Franca, while indicating that his body just can't keep up with the demands of today's elite level fighters.

... the 35-year-old native of Forteleza, Brazil, native intends to rest briefly then return to training his students and fighters at his gym, East West Combat Club in Syracuse, N.Y.

Franca is looking forward to spending time with his family and developing business opportunities as he moves on to the next stage of his life.

The 35-year-old UFC veteran and former WEC Lightweight Champion has lost four of his last five bouts, with three of those coming from the top UFC lightweights, Frankie Edgar, Sean Sherk, and Tyson Griffin.

He's fought the who's who in his division during his nine year MMA career, and has quality victories over the likes of Mike Brown, Caol Uno, Toby Imada, Jamie Varner, Marcus Aurelio, Spencer Fisher, and Nate Diaz.