Dana White Addresses Volkan Oezdemir’s Recent Arrest
It looks like top-ranked UFC light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir’s recent legal issues won’t get in the way of his contending for Daniel Cormier’s 205-pound title.
Despite his recent arrest for a battery charge that stemmed from a bar fight, Dana White told media at a luncheon that “No Time” will still likely get the championship nod for Cormier’s title (quotes via MMA Fighting):
“He’s probably still gonna fight, yeah,” White said.
Oezdemir was arrested back on November 18th in Fort Lauderdale after his involvement in a bar room brawl back in August. “No Time” reportedly punched and knocked out a man by the name of Kevin Cohen outside a Florida bar by the name of Capone’s. Cohen claims that he was unconscious for 14 minutes and was treated for concussion-like symptoms at a nearby hospital and given stitches for his lacerations.
The UFC light heavyweight was charged with a second-degree felony for aggravated battery with serious bodily injury. Oezdemir’s attorney argued that he was not the aggressor in the altercation and his actions were completely justified.
Oezdemir is currently undefeated in his UFC tenure and has downed the likes of Jimi Manuwa, Ovince Saint Preux, and Misha Cirkunov. It has been rumored that the UFC is targeting a title bout between Daniel Cormier and Oezdemir at UFC 220 on January 20th from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
If Oezdemir is unable to compete, Cormier has expressed his willingness to defend his title against any other top contender.
