Rachael Ostovich, a UFC flyweight fighter set to compete on the 19th in Brooklyn, New York, stated in an interview with ESPN on Monday that she holds no grudges against Greg Hardy being on the same fight card. “Everyone has a different story, a different journey,” Ostovich expressed on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “Greg Hardy’s situation is separate from mine.
I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to fight again. “I believe in giving people second chances. I’m pleased to see him turning things around. I hope the same can happen for my husband and anyone else who has made mistakes.” The 27-year-old fighter experienced an orbital bone fracture allegedly caused by her husband, Arnold Berdon, also an MMA pro.
The incident took place in November. Berdon was arrested and charged with second-degree assault. Initially, Ostovich’s management announced her withdrawal from the fight against Paige VanZant, but she was later given the green light to proceed.
Ostovich mentioned that UFC initially hesitated to include her after the incident but eventually agreed to let her fight. UFC President Dana White revealed to TSN that he spoke with Ostovich before finalizing Hardy’s booking. Ostovich noted that she had to persuade the UFC to let her fight. “[White] was very understanding and supportive,” Ostovich remarked.
“Despite the criticisms he receives, there was no ulterior motive. He genuinely cared about my situation. Initially, he didn’t want me to fight. I had to convince and plead with him to allow me to compete.” Ostovich considers the VanZant fight as “the most significant bout of my career” and emphasized her determination not to back down.
“I had every reason to withdraw, but this fight was bigger than just me and my challenges,” Ostovich emphasized. “I want to inspire and motivate others. To show that with the right mindset, you can achieve anything. We all face struggles. Everyone goes through tough times like I have, maybe even worse. But you can overcome anything with determination.”
