News is breaking out of TMZ that troubled mixed martial artist Jon Koppenhaver, legally known as War Machine, attempted suicide in prison. Koppenhaver, who is currently facing 32 charges for an alleged attack on his ex-girlfriend, adult film star Christy Mack, could receive a life sentence if found guilty.
According to TMZ, who spoke with Las Vegas law enforcement, Koppenhaver attempted to hang himself on his bed in his cell in the Clark County Jail with a piece of linen on Tuesday. An officer spotted Koppenhaver in an awkward position, unresponsive and discolored. The officer cut the linen, removed it from his neck, and the former UFC and Bellator fighter was able to begin breathing again.
TMZ notes Koppenhaver is on suicide watch at the moment, as he spends time in a medical isolation cell. According to law enforcement, a suicide note was found in his cell. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported earlier this week that his attorneys are currently seeking a plea deal.
He currently owns a 14-5 professional MMA record and has previously competed for UFC and Bellator. He was released from Bellator immediately after news broke regarding the alleged attack on Mack.
The alleged attack on Mack, which she says left her with broken teeth, a broken nose, 18 broken bones in her face and a badly injured leg (via MMAMania.com and warning, disturbing content therein), is one of the most heinous crimes associated with MMA. However, this is nowhere close to Koppenhaver's first brush with authorities over violent crimes (in particular against women), having been convicted in relation to incidents in 2007 and 2010.
Stick with Bleacher Report for more details on Koppenhaver's trial as it develops.
