Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White recently talked about the decision to book Greg Hardy on the same card as Rachael Ostovich.
Ostovich is set to take on Paige VanZant on Jan. 19 for UFC Brooklyn. It’ll be the UFC’s debut on ESPN+. The bout was initially called off when Ostovich was attacked in Hawaii. Ostovich’s husband Arnold Berdon was charged with second-degree assault.
Dana White Responds To Criticism Over Booking Greg Hardy For UFC Brooklyn
Many were stunned upon hearing the news that Hardy was being booked to compete on the same card as Ostovich. Hardy was found guilty of domestic violence charges although they were expunged from his record after the victim failed to testify against him. White recently told Aaron Bronsteter that he called Ostovich ahead of time:
“I called Rachael Ostovich and talked to her and walked her through this situation. Her take on it was, ‘his story isn’t my story. Everybody’s story is different and I believe in second chances. I have no problem fighting on the same card with this guy.’ He didn’t do anything to Rachael Ostovich, so she was totally cool with it. Obviously having her support was a key factor in making that decision.”
Dana White discusses the decision to have Greg Hardy compete on January 19th, the same card as Rachael Ostovich, a recent victim of domestic violence.
White has spoken to Rachael since Hardy was added to hear her feelings on it. Hardy will remain on the card despite the backlash pic.twitter.com/6EHMIXS9lm
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 6, 2018
UFC Brooklyn will take place inside the Barclays Center. A flyweight title bout between 125-pound champion Henry Cejudo and bantamweight title holder T.J. Dillashaw was moved from the UFC 233 card to UFC Brooklyn. That bout will serve as the headliner.
Do you think the UFC has made a mistake, or do you feel it’s fine with Rachael Ostovich’s backing?
