DaytonDailyNews.com

More than 10 months have passed since former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Sean Sherk failed a drug test that forced the UFC to strip him of the title.

Sherk still maintains his innocence and alleges that the failed test (because of an unnatural level of the anabolic agent nandrolone) was the result of faulty testing equipment and potentially contaminated urine samples.

Few support Sherk's claims of innocence, including current champ B.J. Penn. Sherk and Penn meet in the main event of UFC 84 on Saturday, May 24, and the buildup has been anything but respectful.

Sherk has spent tens of thousands of dollars in hopes of clearing his name, but Penn has led the charge in calling him a cheater and a liar.

"Going through that whole thing, that whole appeal process with the commission and having people take jabs at you at the same time, that's not an easy process to have to go through," Sherk said.

However, if Sherk can overcome the odds Saturday — he's a 2-to-1 underdog — and reclaim his belt, he could have a shot at redemption. However, a loss would likely further condemn Sherk, prompting critics to argue he can't win without the use of performance enhancers.

"There's no doubt a lot is on the line," Sherk said.

Mason's Souder sharp

Another area fighter has found success on one of MMA's biggest stages.

Mason native Josh Souder (7-2) defeated highly touted lightweight Zac George (12-3) at Friday's International Fight League event in Connecticut. Souder needed just 47 seconds to secure the stunning TKO in the nationally televised bout.

"It feels good (to win quickly)," Souder said. "I was ready for the whole fight, a short fight — it doesn't matter. I was here to fight."

Souder also is known for a 2006 episode of MTV's "Made." He served as a trainer for a high school girl who wanted to shed pounds and be transformed into a beauty pageant winner.

'TUF' Report

Only one "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest" preliminary bout remains as Team Rampage's C.B. Dollaway, a 2002 Ohio high school wrestling champion (Northmor High School in Galion), takes on Team Forrest's Nick Klein this Wednesday (10 p.m., Spike TV).

Dollaway looks to join Cincinnati/Columbus fighter Matt Brown as one of eight advancing fighters in the reality series.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, official MMA partner of Yahoo! Sports. Check out www.mmajunkie.com for the latest MMA news and rumors.

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