Rachael Ostovich believes former NFL star Greg Hardy deserves a second chance

There was understandable pushback when Greg Hardy was booked on the same UFC event as Rachael Ostovich.

Hardy is slated to make his UFC debut against Allen Crowder at UFC on ESPN+1 on Jan. 19. The former NFL star has a checkered past that includes a domestic violence dispute, the same thing Rachael Ostovich was a victim of late last year. But don’t count the TUF 26 star as one of his critics.

Ostovich was on the Ariel Helwani MMA Show on Monday and explained she’s willing to give Hardy a second chance.

“[Greg Hardy] has nothing to do with me,” she said. “I am focused on my fight – nobody’s story is the same and no one’s situation is the same. I have nothing to do with Greg Hardy and I am just grateful to be fighting again.” Ostovich explained.  “I believe in second chances. I am glad he’s (Hardy) making a turnaround and I hope the same can happen for my husband and anybody else who has made a wrong choice. I’ve made wrong choices and I was able to come back from those kinds of things,” she added. “We’ve all been, you know, not on our best behavior. For some people, they get caught or whatever may be. I don’t know his situation, I only know mine so I can’t speak on it.”

Ostovich went on to explain the conversation she had with UFC President Dana White about the issue.

“I told him it’s not up to me and whoever you put on the card so whoever you guys got. I’m just focused on my fight. This is my big fight and I am not going to give it up no matter what. I honestly didn’t know who Greg Hardy was. I’m so bad.”

Rachael Ostovich (4-4) is scheduled to face Paige VanZant at UFC Brooklyn on Jan. 19. She’s alternated between wins and losses in her last five-fights. The 27-year-old is coming off a submission loss to Montana De La Rosa at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale in July.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 1/7/2019.