Earlier this week, Volkan Oezdemir was arrested and charged with felony battery in Florida. The charges stemmed from a bar fight in August where Oezdemir allegedly hit an individual who then required staples for lacerations and treatment for concussion symptoms. Oezdemir was released on $10,000 bond.

This comes at a terrible time for Oezdemir as it appeared that the UFC was targeting a title shot for “No Time” at UFC 220 in January against the current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. Oezdemir’s pending legal issues now put that fight in jeopardy and Cormier does not seem particularly inclined to wait around for him.

Speaking recently on The Anik & Florian Podcast, Cormier said that if Oezdemir’s recent legal struggles are going to get in the way, he will gladly fight Alexander Gustafsson or Ovince Saint Preux next.

“Of course, I’d fight any of these guys. It doesn’t matter. This guy’s on the longest win streak in the division so he was getting the title shot but if this trouble is gonna keep him out of the opportunity, I’ll just go to the next guy. So of course I’d fight Gustafsson and someone told me yesterday that Team Ovince Saint Preux was like, ‘We want a title fight because we’ve got a good winning streak too.’ Whoever is winning gets the title shot, that’s just the way it is. I don’t care who it is.”

After Cormier was reinstated as champion following Jon Jones’ drug test failure, he began calling for Oezdemir as the next challenger for his title, saying that Oezdemir was “something new, something different” as opposed to a rematch with Gustafsson. Ironically, Oezdemir’s legal troubles now appear to be more of the same for Cormier, who has been more affected by the extracurricular struggles of Jones than anyone else. For Cormier, it’s just another instance of a fighter putting himself in a bad situation.

“It’s tough to be going through this type of thing, especially at this time when you’re on the cusp of your biggest moment of your career. I don’t know what happened. You’ve got to not be doing things that are wrong or put yourself in these situations where stuff can go sideways. You’ve got to try to stay out of those positions. . .

“Maybe it was self-defense but because he is who is is, it’s much worse because he has the ability to sleep dudes that are trying to hit him. You never know what’s happening but even these run-ins, they’re really unneeded, especially when you’re a young guy as Volkan is and you’re on the cusp of something so big for the first time in your career.”

It’s unclear what will happen next but with Oezdemir potentially facing facing jail time, it seems unlikely that the UFC would follow through on a January title fight, which leaves Gustafsson as the front-runner for the next title shot which would be a bit of a letdown for Cormier who was hoping to compete at UFC 220 n Boston.

“I’ve been waiting for the final go ahead. Obviously this throws a wrench into those plans, when we see what happens to Oezdemir. It’s kind of all fluid right now because we’ve got to see what happens with this guy. Alexander Gustafsson was never gonna be right now anyway, I think he may be dealing with some things. If it has to be him then I guess the fight will be a little bit later in the year, but I’d love to compete in Boston.”

MUST-READ STORIES

Disgrace. Tyron Woodley says Colby Covington is a disgrace to MMA.

Beef. Colby Covington says Fabricio Werdum suckerpunched and threatened to kill him.

Felony. Volkan Oezdemir charged with felony battery after alleged bar fight.

Emotions. Jose Aldo defends “emotional” Conor McGregor over Bellator 187 incident.

VIDEO STEW

Francis Ngannou open workout scrum.

Freddie saying GSP will defend against Whittaker.

Boomerang remix.

Tattoo artists discussing Brock’s ink.

CES 47 highlights from over the weekend.

LISTEN UP

The MMA Hour. Woodley, Cyborg, Holm, Covington, and Sonnen all are interviewed.

The Co-Main Event. Discussing how Werdum makes it hard to support him.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

This sure looks like Buchholz is about to be out at TAM.

Pretty soon I'm gonna be called a racist etc. Same smear campaign that was run on @DUANEBANGCOM wonder who's doing it?? — Justin Buchholz (@JustinBuchholz) November 20, 2017

Two ships passing in the night.

UFC offered me Derek Brunson to fight on February 3rd at UFC FN 125, Belem do Para, Brazil. I already agreed to fight on Belem do Para, Brazil, now is up to Derek Brunson, I hope he doesn't come up with escuses about the location and date of event. @ufc — Ronaldo Jacaré (@JacareMMA) November 20, 2017

That’s weird . I accepted for Jan 27 in Charlotte, NC. I’ll be in touch after this weekend’s fight! See you in NC. https://t.co/IrA88q4kEu — Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 20, 2017

Colby.

Shut up Cryrone @TWooodley youre trying to star fuck instead of defending the title against real contenders. I'm 8-1 in @ufc , you're 8-3. I'm next in line! Like it or love it you better learn to deal with it! I can't be stopped! https://t.co/tJEbO3pQQr — Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) November 21, 2017

Statement.

Carwin wants in.

I sent Bellator MMA a request to get on as an Alternate for this amazing tournament. I really can't wait to watch it... Posted by Shane Carwin on Monday, November 20, 2017

Clearly DJ is moving up.

The struggle is real.

Uriah Hall is not happy with the early morning USADA wake up call. (Via his Instagram story). pic.twitter.com/47vVYIveRA — Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) November 20, 2017

Magana keeping it extra classy.

Gary Goodridge reminding us the cost of this sport.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dennis Siver (23-11) vs. Martin Van Staden (18-9); ACB 75, Nov. 25.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yesterday’s episode of The MMA Hour was excellent so if you haven’t watched it yet, be sure to check that out. Other than that, take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

Poll Who would you like to see Cormier fight next? This poll is closed. 51% Oezdemir (878 votes)

40% Gustafsson (694 votes)

7% Saint Preux (132 votes) 1704 votes total Vote Now

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