The husband of UFC fighter Rachel Ostovich has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges stemming from November, when he was accused of physically abusing his wife.
Arnold Berdon was originally arrested on a charge of attempted murder after Ostovich was reportedly hospitalized with a broken orbital bone, claiming that Berdon (who is also an MMA fighter) had repeatedly punched her in the face and ribs. Ostivich claimed that she coughed up blood and vomited following the incident. She filed for a restraining order and divorce soon after.
Berdon ultimately took a plea for second-degree assault, which is a felony in Hawaii. The no-contest plea (which was changed from Berdon’s initial not-guilty plea) is considered a conviction, although it does not mean that Berdon admits guilt. A document obtained by MMA Fighting revealed that he faces up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine following his sentencing on May 16.
Ostovich, a flyweight competitor, fought and ultimately lost to Paige VanZant in January despite initial claims from her manager that she would have to withdraw. Ostovich insisted on moving forward with the fight, saying that she wanted to use her platform to speak up about domestic violence.
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