MMA community reacts to UFC booking Greg Hardy and Rachael Ostovich on the same card

Last night, ESPN reported that former NFL star Greg Hardy is likely to make his long-discussed UFC debut on January 19 in Brooklyn, New York, when the UFC makes its first appearance on ESPN+.

Hardy’s seemingly inevitable move to the UFC has always been the subject of controversy, as he was previously found guilty on two charges of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend (though those charges were later dropped when his victim did not appear in court). That said, it’s hard to imagine the UFC handling the controversial former NFL’s debut any worse.

In scheduling Hardy for this January 19 card, the promotion has put him on the same card as Rachael Ostovich, who was the victim of domestic violence mere weeks ago. Ostovich, who is set to fight Paige VanZant on the card, was briefly rumored to be off the card as the result of the injuries she sustained in her attack, but has decided to stay on the card to send a message of solidarity and strength to her fellow survivors. 

“Although this is a very difficult time for me and my family, I felt that this fight in January was important,” Rachael Ostovich said. “I felt that it was extremely important to me to follow through with it and not only for me but first for my daughter and other people that might be going through similar situations. I want to take a stand against domestic violence and show others that it’s okay to come out and speak about it and not be quieted.

“I feel like I have to do this. This is something that can’t be taken away from me. I want to use this big worldwide UFC platform to show people that…don’t let anyone or anything come between you and your dreams and your career.”

Now, it appears, Rachael Ostovich will share the card with a man who was previously found guilty of the very crime she was recently a victim of.

Unsurprisingly, the MMA community has taken notice of this undeniably tone-deaf decision by the UFC. Here’s how people are reacting on Twitter.

Greg Hardy’s eventual UFC debut was always going to be controversial and met with heavy criticism. However, to debut him on the same card as Rachael Ostovich (on the first ESPN card, no less) is a dubious decision at best and incredibly tone-deaf. https://t.co/lqd8BYW9GA

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 5, 2018

.@bokamotoESPN is reporting that Greg Hardy will make his UFC debut on the same Jan. 19 card that Rachael Ostovich will fight on. That’s incredibly poor judgment by the UFC and so easily avoidable.

— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) December 5, 2018

Of course it would be on the first ESPN+ card…which also happens to be the same card that Rachael Ostovich is fighting on as she openly speaks out and stands against DV. Seriously shameless stuff from the UFC. #UFCBrooklyn https://t.co/7TIj2j1el6

— Drake Riggs (@DrakeRiggs_) December 5, 2018

That would be the same event as Rachael Ostovich. Not the best idea. https://t.co/IR4FSEtTvo

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 5, 2018

Look, we all knew Hardy debuting was going to happen but this is an extremely idiotic placement by the UFC with what just happened to Ostovich. https://t.co/ZTPQhDZ1qP

— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) December 5, 2018

Are you serious @UFC @DanaWhite? Come on. This is absolutely horrible putting Hardy on the same card as Ostovich. What is wrong with you?!?!?!??? https://t.co/RyLmFWL8A6

— Echo Mars (@jenmillsap) December 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/THEREALPUNK/status/1070222382793613312

https://twitter.com/BigMarcel24/status/1070306116159057922

If not a single one of you MMA media members in attendance for that UFC on ESPN+ card featuring Greg Hardy and Rachel Ostovich dare to raise the topic of domestic violence during your fight week interviews and media obligations – you’re a fucking fraud.

— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) December 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/DaveMMAdden/status/1070296079126585344

So everyone talking about hardy being on the same card as Racheal is going to boycott the card right? Make sure your actions line up with your complaints or you’re part of the problem!

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) December 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/alexscaffidi_/status/1070210552528420864

https://twitter.com/MacMallyMMA/status/1070299203778228225

Absolutely abhorrent of the UFC to schedule Greg Hardy's debut for the same card Rachael Ostovich is fighting on. Is it really possible they're that careless? Unbelievable.

— Tom Taylor (@TomTayMMA) December 5, 2018

Incredibly tone deaf by the UFC in likely putting Greg Hardy on the same show as Rachel Ostovich for the first ESPN show. Been told they are scrambling for a main event at this point which is pretty sad since that should have been locked up weeks ago.

— Steven Muehlhausen (@SMuehlhausenJr) December 5, 2018

What do you think of the UFC’s decision to put Rachael Ostovich and Greg Hardy on the same card?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/5/2018.