The biggest opportunity of Volkan Oezdemir's mixed martial arts career is rapidly approaching on the horizon, but there are other serious matters that require his attention as well.

Before the upstart powerhouse steps back into the Octagon to face Daniel Cormier at UFC 220 in Boston later this month, Oezdemir was required to appear before the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Broward County, FL, on Tuesday to enter his not guilty plea to a third-degree felony battery charge.

Oezdemir, 28, was arrested for an incident at a Fort Lauderdale bar on Nov. 18 and charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability.

The court accepted his plea and set the next hearing for Feb. 22. MMAFighting.com first reported the news on Tuesday afternoon and offered additional information that Oezdemir will not face any travel restrictions that would affect his upcoming title fight with Cormier.

The light heavyweight title clash between Cormier and Oezdemir is slated for Jan. 20. Oezdemir has won five-straight showings inside the cage, with his two most recent victories coming by way of knockout.