The report stated that Franca, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful penetration and one count of first-degree sexual abuse in Clackamas County Court on Wednesday. Franca was arraigned in May on seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration. The remaining counts were dismissed.
Franca was also sentenced to four-and-a-half years post-prison supervision and must register as a sex offender. The Oregonian reported that Franca turned himself into authorities in May after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The encounter with the female student occurred in December 2010.
Franca, a native of Fortaleza, Brazil, fought nine times for the UFC from 2007 to 2009, suffering a technical knockout loss to Tyson Griffin in his last appearance at UFC 103. Franca fought Sean Sherk for the lightweight title in 2007, dropping a unanimous decision. After the bout, Franca tested positive for steroids and was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission until July 5 of 2008.
Since his release from the UFC in 2009, Franca had fought eight times for various regional promotions. He won three of four bouts in 2011, suffering a knockout loss to Thawa Ril in his last fight on April 29.
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