Josh Copeland arrested, charged with second-degree assault, obstruction and child abuse
Professional mixed martial artist Josh Copeland was arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident that resulted in his his wife being transported to a Colorado hospital, February 2.
According to a report from TMZ, law enforcement officials in Adams County raced to the couple’s home after reports of an attack.
When they arrived at the home, Copeland’s wife had “an obvious bruise on her left eye, a cut and was bleeding. There was blood down the front of her face and neck.”
Copeland’s wife said the two had been arguing when he pushed her so she pushed him back.
The two continued to attack each other — with Copeland’s wife admitting she slapped him in the face multiple times.
She said he “then punched her in the face” and threw her on the bed and also took her phone so she could not call for help.
Police say they later found her phone in Copeland’s pocket and that the heavyweight fighter had redness and blood on his face — but that he did not remember punching his wife.
Copeland’s wife was transported to a nearby hospital. He was arrested and booked for second-degree assault, obstruction and child abuse … since the incident allegedly took place in front of their child.
He is due back in court next week.
The 36-year old fighter last competed for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) on New Year’s Eve. Copeland and Philipe Lins dueled for the heavyweight title after taking dissimilar paths to the finals. Lins went undefeated to earn his place while Copeland, the number eight-seed, was on the bubble and just snuck into the playoffs. He then fought twice in the playoffs to secure his spot opposite Lins. Copeland was cut and hurt early, but he would not be deterred. Doctors come in to check on the competitors in the fourth but then as soon as the action is resumed it stopped by TKO in favor of Lins.
UPDATE: PFL has provided a statement to MyMMANews – “The PFL has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence. Per our company policy, following his arrest, Josh Copeland has been suspended indefinitely.”
