MFC Releases Franca; Fickett Without Opponent for June 10 Bout

“Mr. Franca’s legal situation is a matter in the hands of law enforcement officials and soon to be going before the courts,” MFC Owner and President Mark Pavelich (Pictured; file photo) stated in a release. “Because of that, there will not be any further comment on those allegations, but I have taken immediate action to indicate that he is no longer going to be part of my organization.”

The “legal situation” to which Pavelich refers is Franca’s Monday arrest in Clackamas County, Ore., on multiple charges of sexual abuse and unlawful sexual penetration.

According to the promotion’s announcement, Franca also violated the terms of his contract by fighting twice outside the organization.

“Mr. Franca breached his contract by fighting outside of the organization only 15 days after his bout at MFC 29, and then he fought again six days after that in Brazil and lost,” said Pavelich. “I find these actions to be incredibly disrespectful to my company and Mr. Franca is no longer welcome as part of the Maximum Fighting Championship.”

The MFC is currently engaged in a search for a replacement opponent to face Fickett at the Mayfield Inn Trade and Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. An announcement is expected shortly.