Rachael Ostovich Says She’s Fine Sharing Card With Greg Hardy at UFC on ESPN+1

Rachael Ostovich has confirmed that she has no problem with appearing on the same card as Greg Hardy, despite the domestic violence in his past. Ostovich has confirmed that, as Dana White told TSN, White sought her approval before agreeing to book Hardy on UFC on ESPN+ 1.

“I called Rachael Ostovich and talked to her and walked her through this situation,” White told TSN. “And 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 as this guy.’ He didn’t do anything to Rachael Ostovich. She was totally cool with it. Obviously, having her support was a key factor in making that decision.”

TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter reached out to Ostovich to confirm the information, which she did. “Everything Dana said is true and I think he covered it well,” she wrote in revealed text messages. “I would love to move forward and focus on training. Mahalo and have a great week.”

Controversy popped up after Hardy was announced for the card due to his documented previous instances with domestic violence. Ostovich was allegedly assaulted by her husband in November and left with several injuries. She has an order of protection in place against her husband.

“Rachael was off the card because of what happened,” White told the site regarding the domestic violence incident. “Then she called me back – first of all, I wasn’t letting her fight after what had just happened to her. There was no way she could fight right now; she needs to take some time. She called me and gave me 75 reasons why she needs to be on this card, and I agreed with her, and so we did it.”

As for Hardy, White said, “He’s going to be tied to that for the rest of his career, for the rest of his life. This is a guy who has 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.”

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