Arnold Berdon had his day in court this past Thursday, pleading no contest to assaulting his wife, UFC veteran Rachael Ostovich.
MMA Junkie reported the story, while also reporting that Berdon is expected to get sentenced to probation instead of facing any jail time. Berdon claims that the no contest plea was accepted so that his family would be spared from a trial.
Judge Trisha Morikawa, who oversaw the proceedings, told Berdon that if he does well in the domestic violence intervention program, it will most likely keep the pro MMA fighter out of jail.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 16 and Berdon could face a maximum prison term of five years for assaulting Ostovich. It is unknown at this time if Berdon plans on continuing his professional MMA career after the sentence is handed out.
Ostovich issued the following statement on the matter through her attorney:
“I’m satisfied that Arnold is accepting responsibility for his actions and getting the needed help so that he can be the best father to our daughter.”
Berdon was accused of assaulting his wife in November of last year, with the attack causing Ostovich to suffer through a broken orbital bone and other injuries. Berdon had originally pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him.
The couple is in the process of getting divorced as of this writing.