[CW: This article details an alleged domestic assault]
TMZ has reported that Josh Copeland, 36, was arrested on February 2nd after reports of an attack inside of his Colorado home. That outlet stated that Copeland is accused of punching his wife in the face.
TMZ cited those details from a report they obtained from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. That report allegedly stated that officers witnessed “an obvious bruise” around the left eye of Copeland’s wife, along with a cut and blood on her face and neck.
According to TMZ the police report stated that Copeland’s wife told officers she and her husband had been arguing and that Copeland had pushed her. She said she pushed Copeland back and slapped him multiple times. It is alleged that after this Copeland punched his wife and threw her onto a bed.
Adams County Sheriff’s Office
Copeland’s wife was transported to a hospital after this incident. Copeland was arrested and booked for second-degree assault, obstruction, and child abuse. TMZ claimed Copeland was charged with child abuse because his child allegedly witnessed the incident.
Copeland has a professional MMA record of 18-6-1. He began his career in 2012. In 2014 and 2015 he competed in the UFC’s heavyweight division.
After his UFC stint Copeland fought for promotions such as EFN and WSOF before signing up for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) heavyweight tournament in 2018. Copeland lost to Philipe Lins in that tournament’s million dollar final last December.
According to Alexander K. Lee of MMAFighting the PFL has suspended Copeland indefinitely. That organization provided MMAFighting with an official statement, which is presented below:
“The PFL has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence. Per our company policy, following his arrest, Josh Copeland has been suspended indefinitely.”
Support for survivors of domestic violence can be found from the following organizations:
USA – The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Canada – DAWN-RAFH Canada
UK and Ireland – Women’s Aid: 0808-2000-247
Rest of the World – HotPeachPages
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