Rachael Ostovich vs. Shana Dobson is the latest addition to UFC Auckland in February.
The UFC’s next trip to New Zealand has a women’s flyweight contest set. MMA Junkie was first to report that Rachael Ostovich will return to the octagon opposite Shana Dobson at UFC Auckland this February. The promotion has yet to announce the fight, however Ostovich has confirmed the bout on social media.
Ostovich (4-5) will look to snap a two-fight losing skid when she makes the trip to Auckland. The Ultimate Fighter 26 cast member has lost two straight to Montana De La Rosa and Paige VanZant. The loss to VanZant came in January 2019, meaning it will be over a year between fights for the Hawaiian. However, Ostovich went through a horrific ordeal prior to that fight involving abuse at the hands of her then-husband, Arnold Berdon. Berdon was later sentenced to four years of probation after assaulting Ostovich, breaking her orbital bone in the process.
Shana Dobson (3-3), like Ostovich, appeared on The Ultimate Fighter 26, losing to Roxanne Modafferi on the show. She’d win her octagon debut at the TUF 26 finale, defeating Ariel Beck via TKO. Her next two fights, however, would result in unanimous decision losses. End result, the fighter nicknamed ‘Danger’ is in just that, as an 0-3 run would put her in danger of being cut by the promotion.
With Ostovich potentially in a similar spot, the pair should be plenty motivated come February. UFC Auckland takes place February 23, 2020 at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. The event is anticipated to air on ESPN+.
