Dana White: Ostovich Okay With Hardy Fighting On Same Card

One of the biggest controversies surrounding UFC today is the inclusion of Greg Hardy on the January 19, 2019 show from the Barclays Center that will also feature Rachael Ostovich.

The backlash towards the UFC stems from the fact that Hardy, who has been accused of domestic violence in the past, is fighting on the same card as Ostovich, who was a victim of domestic abuse not too long ago.

UFC President Dana White spoke on the matter to Aaron Bronsteter and said Hardy has been working hard to improve his life and move from his past, mentioning his rehabilitation from anger management and alcohol.

“Yeah, absolutely. I mean, he’s going to be tied to that for the rest of his career, the rest of his life. This is a guy who spent the last five years rehabilitating himself from drugs, alcohol, anger management, you name it, rebuilding his life. He hit rock bottom. He lost his job and he’s building a family now. He has a son and a daughter. He’s trying to put that behind him,” White said.

As for the specific issue of Hardy and Ostovich competing on the same event, White said Ostovich is fine with the former NFL player fighting in Brooklyn. White said he talked with Ostovich and Ostovich supported the UFC’s decision on the matter.

“First of all, I called Rachael Ostovich. I talked to her, walked her through this situation and her take on it was, ‘His story wasn’t my story. Everybody’s story is different and I believe in second chances. I have no problem fighting on the same card as this guy.’ He didn’t do anything to Rachael Ostovich. She was totally cool with it. Having her support was a key factor into making that decision,” White said.

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

The card will not only feature Ostovich fighting Paige VanZant, but also a UFC flyweight title fight between Henry Cejudo and TJ Dillashaw.