Earlier this month, it was announced that Greg Hardy will make his UFC debut in January. The former NFL All-Pro defensive end, who was exiled from the league in 2015 due to off-the-field issues, including a 2014 conviction in a domestic violence case, is scheduled to fight Allen Crowder at UFC Fight Night on January 19. That just so happens to be the same card that
Rachael Ostovich will fight Paige VanZant on.
Given Ostovich's recent history - a victim of a domestic violence assault - UFC president Dana White consulted the female flyweight prior to booking heavyweight Greg Hardy on the same card.
"Having her support was a key factor in making that decision," White told TSN.
Ostovich was hospitalized last month and treated for a fractured orbital bone after an alleged attack by her husband, MMA fighter Arnold Berdon, during the weekend of November 17. Berdon has been charged with second-degree assault, but the case is still pending.
Hardy's charges were expunged from his record when the victim failed to appear in court for a jury trial during his appeal. He signed a development deal with the UFC shortly after his pro debut, fighting on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Hardy won all three of his professional bouts via first-round knockout.
"I called Rachael Ostovich and talked to her, walked her through the situation," White recalled.
"Her take was, 'His story isn't my story. Everybody's story is different. I believe in second chances. I have no problem fighting on the same card as this guy.' He didn't have anything to do with Rachael Ostovich, so she was totally cool with it."
UFC Fight Night on January 19 will mark the first event of a five-year, $1.5 billion deal between the UFC and ESPN.