Josh Copeland, the Professional Fighters League's heavyweight finalist in 2018, pleaded guilty to two charges of domestic violence earlier this week in Adams County, Colorado.
Copeland cut a deal with prosecutors Tuesday, pleading guilty to felony assault causing serious bodily injury and another misdemeanor assault charge while two other counts against him were dropped, per court records. He was given a deferred sentence, which is much like probation, and must stay out of trouble with the law until 2021 or face jail time.
TMZ reported in February that the 6-foot-1, 257-pound Copeland was accused of punching his wife in the face during an argument, leaving her bruised and bloody. Copeland's wife admitted to slapping him in the face several times, but she said Copeland escalated the alleged violence.
PFL issued a statement Wednesday saying Copeland has been "released from his contract and is no longer associated with the PFL."
After defeating Alex Nicholson in the semifinals, the 36-year-old Copeland (18-6-1) fell to Philipe Lins in the PFL's $1 million heavyweight championship fight on Dec. 31. The Colorado native had two fights in the UFC in 2014 and 2015.
