UFC lightweight Hermes Franca Barros was arrested on a traffic misdemeanor for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs early Thursday in Jupiter County, Fla.

MMAWeekly.com was the first to report of the arrest that came shortly after a WEC event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., that Franca had attended on Wednesday night.

Franca was taken into custody at 12:44 a.m. and transported to the Palm Beach County jail shortly after.

Sgt. Scott Pascarella, public information officer for the Jupiter County Police Dept., said the fighter submitted to a drug test prior to his booking. Pascarella did not know if Franca had been alone when he was pulled over in a car by authorities. Pascarella said a police report is pending.

A representative for the Palm Beach County jail confirmed Franca was released on his own recognizance at 10:10 a.m. Thursday morning and was not required to post bail. An arraignment date has been set for Dec. 10 at the North County Courthouse in Palm Beach, Fla.

Franca, 34, has had a difficult time skirting drama in the last 16 months.

The ex-American Top Team standout earned a unanimous decision victory over former teacher Marcus Aurelio at UFC 90 on Oct. 25 in Rosemont, Ill. The bout marked the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt’s second match back after serving a one-year suspension for steroids use following his unsuccessful title bid against Sean Sherk at UFC 73 in July 2007.

Addressing the California State Athletic Commission in August 2007, a remorseful Franca admitted he’d used the banned substance Drostanolone to aid in the recovery of an injured ankle.

Franca could not be reached for comment.