In June 2020, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that Rachael Ostovich, a UFC flyweight fighter, had accepted a one-year suspension for violating the organization’s anti-doping policy.
Ostovich tested positive for ostarine and GW1516 on January 3, 2020, and was suspended for eight months. Ostovich was able to prove that she took contaminated substances, and received a four-month credit for time served under a provisional suspension.
Ostovich’s last appearance in combat sports was at BKFC 19 in 2021. As of July 19, 2023, there has been little word on when fans can expect to see Ostovich fighting again.
Brutal Assault on Rachael Ostovich
On November 18, 2018, Ostovich was attacked by her husband, Arnold Berdon, a fellow MMA fighter, at their home in Honolulu. Berdon punched Ostovich repeatedly, fracturing her orbital bone and causing other injuries. Ostovich managed to escape and call the police, who arrested Berdon and charged him with second-degree attempted murder.
The assault had a devastating impact on Ostovich’s career. She was scheduled to fight Paige VanZant at UFC Fight Night 143 on January 19, 2019, but had to withdraw due to her injuries. She later received medical clearance and decided to go ahead with the fight, saying that she wanted to inspire other victims of domestic violence. However, she lost the fight by submission in the second round.
Legal Consequences for Ostovich’s Husband
Berdon pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree assault in May 2019. He was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to undergo domestic violence intervention. He also had to pay restitution to Ostovich and stay away from her and their daughter.
Berdon’s attack on Ostovich sparked public outrage and condemnation. Many fans and fellow fighters expressed their support and sympathy for Ostovich and called for harsher punishment for Berdon. Some also criticized the UFC for allowing Berdon to remain on their roster, while others questioned the safety and regulation of MMA as a sport.
Ostovich’s Personal Struggles
Ostovich faced many personal struggles after the assault. She filed for divorce from Berdon and obtained a restraining order against him. She also had to deal with the emotional and psychological trauma of the attack, as well as the media attention and scrutiny.
Ostovich also faced financial challenges in MMA. She revealed that she earned only $10,000 for her fight against VanZant, and that she had to pay for her own medical expenses, training, and travel. She said that she had to work multiple jobs and rely on her family to support herself and her daughter.
Ostovich decided to transition to bare-knuckle boxing in 2021, after being released from the UFC following two consecutive losses. She said that she was offered more money and opportunities in BKFC and that she wanted to try something new and exciting.
Current Status of Rachael Ostovich
Ostovich is currently active on social media, where she posts updates on her training, personal life, and modeling. She has over 800,000 followers on Instagram, where she often shares photos and videos of herself in bikinis and lingerie. She also has an OnlyFans account, where she charges $25 per month for exclusive content.
Ostovich made her BKFC debut on July 23, 2021, in a rematch against VanZant. She won the fight by unanimous decision, earning her first victory since 2017. She said that she felt happy and proud of herself and that she hoped to inspire other women to overcome their challenges. She also expressed interest in fighting again in BKFC, and possibly in MMA in the future.
Rachael Ostovich is a fighter who has overcome many obstacles in her life. She has shown courage, determination, and resilience, and continues to pursue her passion for fighting. She is an inspiration to many people, especially women who have experienced domestic violence. She is a fighter in and out of the ring.
