VIDEO | Rachael Ostovich details first face-to-face conversation with Greg Hardy

UFC flyweight contender Rachael Ostovich makes her return to the Octagon this weekend, as she’s set to take on Paige VanZant as part of the UFC’s first card on ESPN+. 

This bout will be Ostovich’s first since she was allegedly assaulted by her husband in an attack that left her with a broken orbital bone.

Given that Ostovich was recently the victim of domestic violence, many fans and pundits were outraged when she was scheduled for the same card as controversial former NFL player Greg Hardy, who has been linked to domestic violence charges in the past.

Rachael Ostovich herself, however, doesn’t seem to be too bothered by her proximity to Greg Hardy. In fact, she actually approached him to clear the air this week.

Ostovich detailed her meeting with Hardy in an interview with TSN reporter Aaron Bronsteter. See it below:

“Yesterday I was coming out of an interview, and I had bumped into him in the lobby,” Rachael Ostovich said. “I already knew ahead of time. Ever since the articles started blowing up, I already knew, ‘I have to meet him. I have to go and squash it and get it out of the way.’ Personally, I understand why people would be so up in arms, but this is a fight. We’re going into a fight Saturday, and we need to make sure that we are not emotionally drained. I just want to make sure all my boxes are x’d out and I’m good to go on Saturday night.

“So that was a big thing for me, speaking with him. I told him ‘hey, there’s no negative with me towards you.’ I know the media can blow things up and blow things out of proportion. Just to let you know that’s not my character. I don’t care. I’m actually happy that you’re here. I’m happy that you’re making a comeback and I hope that you and I can work together on different sides and use it for good.’ Just to show people that no matter what you can always turn it around.”

What do you think of these comments from Rachael Ostovich?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 1/17/2019.