UFC 205-Pound Contender Volkan Oezdemir Arrested for Aggravated Battery in Florida

Volkan Oezdemir has been a breakthrough sensation in 2017, but the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight contender’s push toward a title shot may have just hit a serious snag.

Oezdemir, 28, was arrested on Saturday night and has been charged with aggravated battery in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to the record of his arrest, the 205-pound standout is being held at Broward County Jail pending trial and is being held on a $10,000 bond pending trial.

His charge is formally listed as “Aggravated Battery - Cause Bodily Harm or Disability.” Details of the incident have yet to be disclosed.

A Swiss native, Oezdemir made his UFC debut on short notice this past February at UFC Fight Night 104 in Houston, Texas, stepping in for an injured Jan Blachowicz and taking an upset split decision over Ovince St. Preux. Since his successful promotional debut, the Combat Club rep has sizzled in the Octagon, knocking out top-10 opponents Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa in a combined 70 seconds in his two subsequent outings. He is 15-1 in pro MMA competition.

Oezdemir has recently stated that he is presently negotiating to face UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 220 in Boston on Jan. 20. The UFC has yet to formally release a statement on the arrest, but a UFC representative did offer a statement to BloodyElbow.com on Sunday morning.

“UFC is aware of the situation involving light heavyweight athlete, Volkan Oezdemir,” the unnamed UFC rep stated. “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.”