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Although his English is not always easily understood, a colossal smile stretching from the U.S. to Brazil perfectly conveys Hermes Franca's jovial manner. Outside the ring, you won't catch him without a wild grin. Inside, you won't see him slow until he's put away his adversary. And once he's choked out another challenger, he'll be beaming soon after. In less than two years of professional mixed martial arts experience, the easygoing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has emerged as one of the top prospects at 145 pounds, facing six opponents and finishing them all. His aggressiveness and skill have earned him a shot in UFC 42, which will be held in the state of Franca's current residence, Florida. The American Top Team-trained fighter will have to step up in weight to 155 to face Rich Crunkilton, but he'll have a wealth of supporters behind him when he enters the Octagon on April 25. 
FCF: Where did you grow up? Hermes Franca: I grew up in Fortaleza, Brazil. It's a very nice place -- beach, sun, etc. It looks like Miami. FCF: What sports did you play when you were growing up? HF: I played futeból. In the United States it's called soccer. I played futeból because it's the most popular sport in Brazil. Every boy played. FCF: What did you want to be growing up? HF: As a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer. FCF: Did you have any childhood heroes? HF: My childhood hero was Batman. FCF: Did you get into many fights growing up? HF: No, because in Brazil, if you fight in the street, people shoot you. Some parts of Brazil are bad, like Brooklyn. FCF: When were you first exposed to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? HF: I had some friends who asked me to go to a Jiu-Jitsu academy to watch some guys train. I was very impressed with the little guys who would beat the bigger guys. I thought to myself, "This is good." FCF: When were you first exposed to mixed martial arts? HF: November 17, 2001 was my first fight in HOOKnSHOOT. It was an awesome experience for me. FCF: Where and with whom did you start training? HF: I first started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Fortaleza with Marcus Aurelio. I started MMA with Marcelo and Conan Silveira, now known as American Top Team, in Boca Raton, Florida. Now Marcus Aurelio is a member of the American Top Team and is currently the HOOKnSHOOT Southeastern Champion. FCF: How long have you trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? HF: I've been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for eight years. I am a black belt. FCF: Did you learn Jiu-Jitsu quickly? Or did it take you a while to pick up on it? HF: Quickly, because after I received my blue belt, I would train twice a day. I trained once at 12:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm. FCF: Have you always trained in Jiu-Jitsu with the intention of fighting? HF: No. I didn't have any intention of fighting until I came to the United States. FCF: Why did you move to the U.S.? HF: I came to live with my friend Wilson Goveia, who happened to live in Florida. I worked in a carwash for a couple of months. At the time, I only trained about twice a week. I was good friends with "Minotauro" and Edson Diniz. I competed in the Florida State Jiu-Jitsu Tournament. After the tournament, I was introduced to Marcelo Silveira. The rest is history. FCF: What was your impression of the country when you first arrived? HF: I thought the United States was unbelievable. I felt that I was destined to be in the United States. FCF: Could you speak any English? HF: When I first arrived, I couldn't speak a word. Actually, I could say "hi" and "bye." Now I can say "good morning" and "good night." FCF: Was life difficult? HF: Terrible. I didn't have a car, house, and all of my family was still in Brazil. I only had money to pay my bills. But I never lost faith in myself and my goals. Every day I would remind myself that a better day is going to come. FCF: What is the toughest obstacle you've overcome in your life? HF: Starting a family and bringing my mother from Brazil to live with us. When I first came here, I was alone. I didn't have many friends. I couldn't speak English; I could only talk to the walls. It was a hard life for me.
FCF: Do you consider Florida home now? Or will Brazil always be home? HF: Definitely, Florida is my home now. Brazil is a fabulous place and will always have a place in my heart, but like I said before, I was destined to be in the United States. FCF: Who has made the biggest impact on your life? HF: My mother. She always believed in me. She told me that if I wanted train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or fighting, "Just do your best." FCF: Who has made the biggest impact on your MMA career? HF: I can't say his name. If you can, please respect my wishes on this. He has given me an opportunity that not a lot of guys will ever have. If it wasn't for him, I would probably still be in the carwash. And because of his generosity, I will forever be in his [debt]. FCF: What has been your toughest fight? HF: All of my fights have been equally tough. Some of them may last longer than others but they have all been hard. Fights are so unpredictable; you never know what's going to happen. It's been the same pressure each time. FCF: What will you be doing in one year? Then in five years? HF: By next year, my goal is to be the #1 fighter in the world. In five years, I'd like to open an academy and share my experiences and skills with my students. FCF: Will going up to 155 pounds from 145 be a disadvantage for you? HF: For me, weight is not a factor. Experience is much more important. FCF: Do you plan on continuing to fight at 145 also? HF: Maybe. I am not opposed to doing anything at this time. I will not put any limitations on any opportunity that arises. FCF: What does it mean to you to be fighting in the UFC? HF: I still can't believe it. I anticipate the day when it comes. FCF: Did you ever imagine you'd be fighting in the UFC, in Florida? HF: Sometimes I would think about fighting in the UFC. I train with Din Thomas. I went to a few of his fights and now I have the opportunity to showcase my skills in the Octagon. FCF: What do you know about your opponent, Rich Crunkilton? HF: I don't know too much about him. FCF: What do you have to do to beat him? HF: I prepare myself for all situations. I show up and fight like a lion. When I'm in my zone, only good things can happen. FCF: Are you comfortable fighting on the feet against him? HF: Yeah. I'm training with Din Thomas and the American Top Team boxing program. It's not my field of expertise, but I'm sure I can be effective. FCF: What would you tell fans to expect from your fight in the UFC? HF: I didn't know I had fans. If there are any out there listening, I appreciate everybody's support. I'm going to fight like a lion and give 100 percent. FCF: What do you want to be remembered the most for, Hermes? HF: I want people to remember me as being a nice guy. |
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