An MMA Thanksgiving: 2019 All-Turkey Team

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Josh Copeland

Copeland’s 2018 campaign ended in disappointment, as he served as a punching bag for Philipe Lins in the Professional Fighters League $1 million heavyweight final on New Year’s Eve.

The sight of a bloodied Copeland absorbing a steady barrage of punishment while marching forward like a zombie was not necessarily the most flattering image a fighter might want, but it was far more desirable than what transpired in the fighter’s Colorado home approximately two months later, when he was involved in an incident that stood directly in contrast to his “Cuddly Bear” moniker.

Copeland was arrested for allegedly punching his wife in the face during an argument at their residence on Feb. 2. Local law enforcement arrived to find the woman with a bruise on her left eye and bleeding down her neck. Copeland’s wife told police that an argument began with pushing and shoving and her slapping her husband in the face. Eventually, Copeland allegedly punched her, threw her on the bed and took her phone so she would not be able to call for help. The phone was later found in Copeland’s pocket. Even worse, the couple’s child was in close proximity while the attack occurred. When police initially arrived, a red-faced and bloody Copeland had no recollection of hitting his wife. As a result, Copeland was charged with second-degree assault, obstruction of telephone, domestic violence and child abuse.

Ultimately, Copeland reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to two assault charges in exchange for having the other charges dropped. The two-time UFC veteran was given two years’ probation, with a stipulation that allows him to travel for fights if necessary.

Copeland did not get a chance to pursue a second $1 million prize in the PFL, as the organization initially suspended him indefinitely following the initial charges and then later released him from his contract after the guilty plea. Despite the disturbing details surrounding the incident, Copeland, a heavyweight with at least some modicum of skill, has found an avenue to continue competing in MMA. He is scheduled to square off with Anton Vyazigin inside the Russian Cagefighting Championship promotion on Dec. 14.

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