Arnold Berdon receives 4 years’ probation for assault of Rachael Ostovich

Arnold Berdon, the estranged husband of UFC flyweight fighter Rachael Ostovich has received 4 years’ probation for domestic assault charges stemming from an incident that occurred in Nov. 2018 (via MMAJunkie).

The Hawaiian MMA fighter was arrested for attempted murder against Ostovich last year. The attack occurred at their home after a night out and Ostovich was forced to flee the scene from her balcony. Ostovich alleges that Berdon severely beat her, punching her in the head and ribs, even bursting her eye socket

Berdon was taken into custody after the attack. The charges were dropped from second-degree attempted murder to second-degree assault so Berdon plead no contest. Rachael Ostovich attended court on Thursday and asked for leniency towards her estranged husband.

Ostovich maintained a level of compassion and composure during the hearing. She said to the judge:

“Although we are no longer together, we have a daughter together. I know how crucial it is to have her father present in her life,” she said. “I hope he gets the help he needs to become a better father.”

Judge Trish Morikawa credited Berdon for his time spent in jail at the time of the incident. She sentenced Berdon to 4 years’ probation, a significantly lighter punishment than the maximum alternative of 5 years in prison.

Audio recorded by a bystander at the time of the attack was played at the hearing. Berdon can be heard shouting at his wife:

“You’re so f*****g pretty… you can get anybody you like…. I’m going to murder you… I’m going to f*****g murder you.”

After the attack occurred, Rachael Ostovich was scheduled to fight flyweight Paige VanZant at UFC Fight Night 143. She initially withdrew, but later followed through with the fight and lost via submission.

Ostovich has filed for a divorce but the outcome is still pending. Berdon will be taking a domestic violence intervention course and will receive supervised visits with his daughter. Ostovich has full custody of their six-year-old child.

“I thank my wife for being strong for my daughter,” Berdon said.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/16/2019.