‘No Time’ could be looking at hard time, as Volkan Oezdemir has landed himself in jail, charged with aggravated battery.
One of the UFC’s top 205lb contenders now has bigger problems on his hands. According to an arrest record that surfaced early Sunday, Volkan Oezdemir has been jailed pending bond for aggravated battery. The incident fell under the jurisdiction of the Fort Lauderdale PD, who are listed as the arresting agency in public records. Oezdemir was believed to be the likely recipient of the next title shot against Daniel Cormier.
The charge against Oezdemir specifically states aggravated battery “cause bodily harm or disability.” In Florida, aggravated battery carries a mandatory prison sentence if a defendant is convicted. As far as term, a maximum of up to fifteen years or more is in play depending on circumstances.
The Swiss fighter has been training with Combat Club in Florida of late. According to the inmate report for Oezdemir, he is being held pending bond. The light heavyweight’s bond is set at $10,000.
UFC Responds
Details of the alleged offense have yet to surface. In response to the incident, the UFC released a statement to Bloody Elbow:
“UFC is aware of the situation involving light heavyweight athlete, Volkan Oezdemir. The organization is in the process of gathering more information and will be monitoring the situation closely before determining if any further action is necessary.”
Oezdemir (15-1) is undefeated thus far in his UFC career. The twenty-eight year old has just one blemish on his professional record. That blemish was a loss to Kelly Anundson under the Bellator MMA banner. Upon signing with the UFC, he immediately made his presence felt, defeating Ovince St. Preux. Oezdemir’s rise over the course of 2017 has been meteoric, with three wins in as many fights over top light heavyweights. He most recently knocked out Jimi Manuwa in under a minute at UFC 214.
The arrest, depending on how it plays out in the long run, is a major blow to the UFC’s struggling light heavyweight division. Sadly, the weight class has already endured the implosion of former star champion Jon Jones. With Daniel Cormier nearing the end of his career and top contenders Phil Davis and Ryan Bader signing with the competition, it feels like the UFC’s 205lb waters are shallower than ever.
