LAS VEGAS -- One-time UFC lightweight contender Hermes Franca (Pictures) was unanimously reinstated Wednesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after serving a one-year suspension for anabolic steroid use.

The popular Brazilian fighter tested positive for Drostanolone following his UFC 73 loss in Sacramento, Calif. to then lightweight champion Sean Sherk (Pictures) in July 2007. Franca (18-6) admitted to the California State Athletic Commission that he'd taken the drug to aid in injury recovery and was subsequently suspended and fined $2,500.

Speaking to the NSAC via a conference call from his home in Brazil, Franca issued several apologies and promised that he'd "never make that mistake again."

Franca, 33, agreed to take a pre-fight urinalysis prior to his scheduled July 19 bout with Frank Edgar (Pictures) at UFC "Silva vs. Irvin" in Las Vegas. He will likely undergo the test in his adopted home state of Florida to ensure the results are received by the NSAC in time.