An investigation is ongoing, and a suspect identified (but not named), in the assault of UFC flyweight Rachael Ostovich that left the fighter hospitalized on Sunday.
Late Sunday, news broke that UFC flyweight Rachael Ostovich had been the victim of an assault that landed her in hospital over the weekend. The attack reportedly left her suffering from a possible broken orbital bone and other injuries. While initial details were scare, police in Honolulu have confirmed to Cageside Press that they have an investigation into the matter underway.
“The Honolulu Police Department has opened a second-degree assault investigation for an incident involving a 27-year-old female victim and a 27-year-old male suspect,” a statement from Honolulu PD representative Sarah Yoro read. “The victim and suspect were arguing prior to the assault. The victim suffered head injuries and was treated at a hospital.”
Yoro also noted that the incident took place at a residence in Waianae, part of Honolulu County, on November 18 at 2AM local time. “The investigation is continuing, and no arrest has been made at this time,” the statement concluded.
Ostovich is married to fellow MMA fighter Anrold Berdon, a 27 year old who most recently competed under the Titan FC banner earlier this year. The pair were spotted together just a week ago on Berdon’s Instagram. However, TMZ had previously noted the matter is a domestic violence investigation, indicating Berdon is likely the suspect in question.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqGUL86Bq2E/
Ostovich had been announced as facing Paige VanZant at UFC Brooklyn in January, the first show of 2019 for the promotion.
Update, November 20 9:30AM EST: Berdon’s Instagram account is no longer available. Ostovich’s management, Sucker Punch Entertainment, has released a statement on the matter.
“A very unfortunate incident occurred Sunday night with Rachael Ostovich that ended with her suffering a fractured orbital and other injuries. As a result of these injuries she will not be able to compete in her upcoming bout with Paige VanZant on January 19th. Rachael is now home from the hospital with her family and will be going back for further check ups on her orbital. The family would like to ask for some privacy as they sort through this matter. We would like to thank the UFC for all their support on this matter as well as the fans and media for your concern.”
Update, November 21 7:00 EST: Arnold Berdon has been arrested on second degree murder charges, as first reported by TMZ. Honolulu PD did not respond to an additional request for comment at this time. Ostovich, meanwhile, requested and was granted a restraining order from her husband.
TMZ cited Ostovich’s testimony from documents pertaining to the court order, including her statement regarding her injuries. “After a night out with family, [Arnold Berdon] punched me repeatedly on the head, face, ribs, making me fall to the ground.”
“I gasped for breath and escaped thru [sic] balcony. I coughed up blood, threw up sev. times. Cracked orbital.”
