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Sean Sherk's future, as well as the future of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's lightweight division, are in the hands of the California State Athletic Commission.

On Wednesday, the traditionally unforgiving commission will render a verdict on Sherk's appeal of a one-year suspension and $2,500 fine. The UFC lightweight champion defeated top contender Hermes Franca in July, but he tested positive for anabolic steroids and elevated testosterone levels in a subsequent drug test.

Sherk has some staunch supporters on his side, including UFC President Dana White, who says he believes the fighter's claims that he never knowingly ingested any banned substances. However, White says he'll have no choice but to strip Sherk of his title if the suspension is upheld.

However, if Sherk does win his appeal — and, again, that's a major "if" — are fans willing to forgive and forget?

Despite a remarkable 32-2-1 record (with losses only to former champions Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre), Sherk is perhaps the least marketable of the UFC's five champions.

Before Sherk defeated Kenny Florian for the belt in October 2006, the title sat vacant for more than four years. Just when the UFC resurrected the division and stocked it with talent, the new lightweight champ announced he had a torn rotator cuff that would sideline him for nine months.

Fans grew agitated.

Some complained that Florian (who was just 4-2 at the time) was too easy of an opponent; still, others argued that former champ and fan favorite B.J. Penn should have been given the title shot instead

However, for all the complaints, Sherk remains one of the most approachable fighters in the sport. Prior to UFC 73, he was the UFC's go-to guy for TV appearances and mainstream-media interviews. And even after the failed test, he's continued to make guest appearances at smaller MMA shows all over North America.

But if the suspension sticks, will White's loyalty wane? And will fans forgive?

Or, like so many other fighters, will Sherk have to look to an outside organization to polish his image?

We'll find out on Wednesday.

Other appeals

In addition to Sherk, a handful of other fighters will appeal fines and suspensions handed down by the CSAC.

Phil Baroni (anabolic steroids — June 22 Strikeforce/EliteXC show), Kazuhiro Nakamura (marijuana — Sept. 22 UFC show) and Adam Smith (marijuana, cocaine and anabolic steroids — Sept. 29 Strikeforce show) will all appeal varying suspensions and fines.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, a content partner site of Yahoo! Sports. For the latest UFC and MMA news, check out www.mmajunkie.com.

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