The promotion said it is ‘aware’ of the situation regarding its number two ranked light heavyweight.
Earlier today news broke that top ranked UFC light heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir had been arrested on charges of aggravate battery by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in Florida. The UFC has since released a statement regarding the Swiss fighter’s arrest.
The promotion said the following, in response to a request from Bloody Elbow:
“UFC is aware of the situation involving light heavyweight athlete, Volkan Oezdemir. The organization is in the process of gathering more information and will be monitoring the situation closely before determining if any further action is necessary.”
Oezdemir was arrested on November 18th and booked into the Broward County jail. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office database reveals that Oezdemir was arrested for aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. That resource also stated that Oezdemir’s bail had been set at $10,000.
Oezdemir is 28-years-old and trains out of Combat Club in Palm Beach County, Fl. He has a professional mixed martial arts record of 15 wins and 1 loss. He is undefeated in three fights in the UFC. His last two fights were KO victories (over Jimi Manuwa and Misha Cirkunov) within 30 seconds of the first round.
Prior to news of his arrest, Oezdemir was thought to be in pole position for a title fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. It is unknown if this arrest will affect that booking.
Oezdemir is considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty.