War Machine Argues “You Can’t Rape a Pornstar” + Other Developments From His Preliminary Hearing

Being that he’s currently on trial for some 34 charges including the attempted murder and sexual assault of his former girlfriend, Christy Mack, we could pretty much close the book on former UFC/Bellator fighter War Machine undergoing a series of personal changes that completely redeemed him in our eyes. That said, recent developments in the trial of one John J. (for Jerkface) Koppenhaver have managed to somehow lower our previously un-lowerable opinion of the man.

The post War Machine Argues “You Can’t Rape a Pornstar” + Other Developments From His Preliminary Hearing appeared first on Cagepotato.

Being that he’s currently on trial for some 34 charges including the attempted murder and sexual assault of his former girlfriend, Christy Mack, we could pretty much close the book on former UFC/Bellator fighter War Machine undergoing a series of personal changes that completely redeemed him in our eyes. That said, recent developments in the trial of one John J. (for Jerkface) Koppenhaver have managed to somehow lower our previously un-lowerable opinion of the man.

First let’s start with the case his lawyer, Brandon Sua, put forth in Kopenhaver’s preliminary hearing on Monday, which is the most batsh*t insane defense we’ve heard since Anderson Silva’s NSAC hearing. (via the Las Vegas Review):

Defense lawyers also argued that Mackinday’s work in pornography pointed to consent and that Koppenhaver and Mackinday often engaged in rough sex.

Mackinday’s career lead to her “desire, the preference, the acceptability towards a particular form of sex activities that were outside of the norm,” Sua said.

Koppenhaver met Mackinday while making an adult movie.

“The jury needs to know the nature of this relationship, and what was customary and consensual,” Sua said outside the courtroom.

So basically, because Mack was a pornstar, she was unable to be raped. Ho. Lee. Shit.

This argument was, of course, immediately challenged by Chief Deputy District Attorney Jacqueline Bluth, who made the obvious observation that a person’s (perceived) preferences in their professional life does not translate into their personal one. District Judge Elissa Cadish seemed to agree, stating, “I don’t see how any of those activities that she did in adult movies would ever show her consent to the acts with the defendant that he’s charged with. I’m not seeing that connection.”

As if that wasn’t icky enough, Koppenhaver then responded by blowing Bluth a kiss.

“Judge, for the record, Mr. Koppenhaver just blew a kiss at me,” she said.

Defense attorney Brandon Sua said he didn’t see it.

“I’m not going to make up that he blew a kiss at me, which I find offensive,” Bluth said.

District Judge Elissa Cadish turned to the defendant, who was seated in the jury box, while shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit: “Mr. Koppenhaver, stop. You are not to make any gestures of any kind toward counsel. Don’t go there.”

Koppenhaver smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”

Let us not forget that last year, Koppenhaver was also caught laughing while Mack — who was still recovering from the myriad of broken bones and lacerations she received during the night in question — recited her testimony.

So yeah, we’re not saying that someone should start a Kickstarter to have War Machine shanked in his holding cell, but…

The post War Machine Argues “You Can’t Rape a Pornstar” + Other Developments From His Preliminary Hearing appeared first on Cagepotato.

Nick Diaz Sentenced to HARD TIME in Jail for String of DUI’s


(Never before has a courtroom sketch so perfectly captured the essence of its subject.)

The Lodi City Correctional Center is about to get a whole lot realer, Nation.

If you recall, notorious UFC welterweight Nick Diaz — currently serving a temporary suspension for his 1000th drug test failure for marijuana back at UFC 183 — was arrested on suspicion of DUI back in September of 2014. This came following a similar arrest for driving under the influence 10 months earlier, which he plead not guilty to while presumably throwing some DMX-level shade at the presiding judge. If convicted on both charges, Diaz was looking at some serious time behind bars.

The post Nick Diaz Sentenced to HARD TIME in Jail for String of DUI’s appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Never before has a courtroom sketch so perfectly captured the essence of its subject.)

The Lodi City Correctional Center is about to get a whole lot realer, Nation.

If you recall, notorious UFC welterweight Nick Diaz — currently serving a temporary suspension for his 1000th drug test failure for marijuana back at UFC 183 — was arrested on suspicion of DUI back in September of 2014. This came following a similar arrest for driving under the influence 10 months earlier, which he plead not guilty to while presumably throwing some DMX-level shade at the presiding judge. If convicted on both charges, Diaz was looking at some serious time behind bars.

Yesterday, however, it was reported by TMZ Sports that Diaz’s lawyer had cut a deal sweeter than the Purple Urkel-Trainwreck hybrid strain that Nick was vaping at his hearing:

Diaz was facing real jail time if convicted in both cases — but struck a sweet plea deal with prosecutors in which he pled no contest to DUI with .08 or higher, and in exchange 3 charges were thrown out … including the second DUI. He was sentenced to 2 days in jail — and gets credit for 1 day served … so he’ll be a free man in no time.

In addition to the jail time, Diaz also got 3 years of informal probation and must complete a DUI educational course.

So yeah, it’s less Randy Blythe and more Paris Hilton, as far as celebrity jail sentences go.

Diaz is expected to serve out his sentence later this month after his follow-up court hearing. With any luck, we’ll be seeing him back in the cage by 2016, where he will fight Brock Lesnar in a PPV-shattering superfight, lose by unanimous decision, and then get popped for marijuana metabolites. Because Nick Diaz is like the crazy ex that the UFC just can’t help booty calling at 2 a.m. after a string of alcohol-induced bad decisions. No matter how many times he gives them VD, or steals their car, or refuses to cuddle after, they just can’t keep their hands off the goods. You know what I’m talking about…

The post Nick Diaz Sentenced to HARD TIME in Jail for String of DUI’s appeared first on Cagepotato.

Alexander Emelianenko Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault


(Looks like someone’s got their next tattoo appointment booked!) 

Perhaps it’s appropriate that last weekend’s Game of Thrones episode stirred up such a controversy for its disturbing ending, because today, MMA’s answer to Ramsay Bolton (discounting Joe Son, Hermes Franca, War Machine, etc.) has finally been brought to justice.

I’m talking about Alexander Emelianenko, of course, the beastly, abhorrent brother of Fedor who has been terrorizing Russia over the past few years with crimes including assault on a senior citizen, assault on a group of hecklers, theft, assault, hooliganism, assault, and also theft. Most recently, Emelianenko found himself facing sexual assault charges after allegedly drugging a 27-year old woman and “extorting her for sexual favors.” If convicted, Emelianenko was looking at a maximum of 6 years behind Russian bars, which is equivalent to approximately 28,000 years American.

According to RapsiNews, Emelianenko was convicted of sexual assault by a jury of his peers earlier this morning, and will now face 4 and a half years in prison.

Details after the jump. 

The post Alexander Emelianenko Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Looks like someone’s got their next tattoo appointment booked!) 

Perhaps it’s appropriate that last weekend’s Game of Thrones episode stirred up such a controversy for its disturbing ending, because today, MMA’s answer to Ramsay Bolton (discounting Joe Son, Hermes Franca, War Machine, etc.) has finally been brought to justice.

I’m talking about Alexander Emelianenko, of course, the beastly, abhorrent brother of Fedor who has been terrorizing Russia over the past few years with crimes including assault on a senior citizen, assault on a group of hecklers, theft, assault, hooliganism, assault, and also theft. Most recently, Emelianenko found himself facing sexual assault charges after allegedly drugging a 27-year old woman and “extorting her for sexual favors.” If convicted, Emelianenko was looking at a maximum of 6 years behind Russian bars, which is equivalent to approximately 28,000 years American.

According to RapsiNews, Emelianenko was convicted of sexual assault by a jury of his peers earlier this morning, and will now face 4 and a half years in prison.

Details after the jump. 

MMA fighter Alexander Emelianenko was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced by Moscow’s Simonovsky District Court to 4.5 years in jail, RAPSI reported from the courtroom.

The court also imposed a 50,000-ruble fine ($1,000) on Emelianenko.

According to investigators, Emelianenko assaulted and raped 27-year-old Polina Stepanova, his housekeeper, on the night of March 2, 2014, and then seized her passport. The trial was held behind closed doors.

So I guess this means that the honeymoon’s over, then?

There’s not much else to say about Emelianenko’s latest atrocity, really, other than 4.5 years seems like far too polite a punishment for it. Then again, this photo taken from Alek’s trial seems to indicate that he is morphing into a pre-Gollum Andy Serkis…

…so perhaps another half-decade spent ogling over “his precious” behind bars will do him in for good.

So on behalf of the Potato Nation, the MMA Nation, the Zulu Nation, and the Nation of Humankind, let’s all bid Alex adieu. May these next 4 years be an absolutely unbearable series of tribulations that breaks (whatever’s left of) his spirit and will to live before casting him into the neverending darkness and despair of the special place in hell that’s reserved for rapists and thieves of his like. Or to put it another way…

The post Alexander Emelianenko Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault appeared first on Cagepotato.

VIDEO: Jon Jones Runs From Reporters After Bailing Himself Out of Jail


(Jones’ mugshot, via the Albuquerque PD)

It may have taken him close to 24 hours to do so, but Jon Jones has finally turned himself in to Albuquerque police following his hit-and-run accident over the weekend. Now, he faces a completely different backlash, with fans, fighters, and media members alike calling for him to be pulled from UFC 187 and stripped of his title.

Details after the jump. 

The post VIDEO: Jon Jones Runs From Reporters After Bailing Himself Out of Jail appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Jones’ mugshot, via the Albuquerque PD)

It may have taken him close to 24 hours to do so, but Jon Jones has finally turned himself in to Albuquerque police following his hit-and-run accident over the weekend. Now, he faces a completely different backlash, with fans, fighters, and media members alike calling for him to be pulled from UFC 187 and stripped of his title.

Details after the jump. 

Late last night, it was confirmed by multiple outlets that Jones had officially been placed in custody following a bizarre series of events that resulted in local police issuing a felony warrant for his arrest. “Bones” was arrested for “felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injuries” and was booked at 7:11 p.m Monday evening. Shortly thereafter, however, Jones posted the $2,500 bail necessary and was released (probably why he went back to the scene to grab cash). Local affiliate KOAT was able to secure some footage of Jones leaving jail, but the champ refused to comment on his situation.

The UFC has yet to make an official statement on the situation beyond the one they initially made, but perhaps the most bizarre aspect of this story is that Jones has still yet to be removed from his UFC 187 title fight with Anthony Johnson. According to Jones’ attorney, Vincent Ward, ”[Jon] wants to get down to training for this fight he has. He wouldn’t want to be dealing with this right now, but he’s a great guy, he’s taking all this seriously.”

Yes, Vincent. He doesn’t want to be dealing with the HIT AND RUN INVOLVING A PREGNANT WOMAN HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR right now, but he’s willing to put off training for a couple days to because he’s a five star guy all around. (*slams head off desk*)

Meanwhile, fans and media members alike are calling for Jones to not only be removed from UFC 187, but stripped of his title. The most vocal of those detractors was none other than former UFC fighter-turned-commentator Kenny Florian on last night’s edition of America’s Pregame:

I think stripping him of the title is appropriate. Of course, if these allegations are true. I think cutting him may be a little bit harsh. I would be for stripping him of the title and getting him to realize that there are repercussions. If you screw up, there are repercussions and a possible fine. He was supposed to face Anthony Johnson, and I think that is the other repercussion; I don’t think he should — if this is true — I don’t think he should be allowed to fight Anthony Johnson. He needs to go and get help. I think UFC is probably, more likely, looking to find a replacement for Jon Jones at this point. I think that is going to happen if these allegations are true.

Even noted UFC shill Kevin Iole has called for Jones to be stripped, stating, “It would be a symbolic gesture to strip him, but an important measure of symbolism. The UFC will be saying that it meant it when it instituted a Fighter Code of Conduct, and that it’s not going to let Jones slide because he’s a great fighter and a big moneymaker.”

Word has it that Lorenzo Fertitta is currently flying out to New Mexico to personally meet with Jones. We will continue to update this post as information is made available.

The post VIDEO: Jon Jones Runs From Reporters After Bailing Himself Out of Jail appeared first on Cagepotato.

BREAKING: Albuquerque PD Issue Felony Warrant for Jon Jones’ Arrest


(via Getty)

Holy crap, you guys. The Jon Jones hit-and-run saga has just taken a turn from bad to much, much worse.

Jones, who is (or should we say, was) scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in May, was involved in a three car accident in Albuquerque on Saturday morning before fleeing the scene. Marijuana, paraphernalia, and “paperwork belonging to a Jonathan Jones, which had MMA information on it from the state of Nevada” were all found in his rental car, and witnesses on the scene (including an off-duty cop) identified the light heavyweight champion as the man fleeing the scene.

The only person listed as injured in the accident was a 25-year-old pregnant woman who was taken to the hospital for what were at first considered minor injuries after she told police that she “was going to pass out.” Recently, however, it was revealed that the woman’s injuries were a bit more serious than originally reported, and as a result, Albuquerque police are now seeking to bring Jones in on felony charges.

Details after the jump.

The post BREAKING: Albuquerque PD Issue Felony Warrant for Jon Jones’ Arrest appeared first on Cagepotato.


(via Getty)

Holy crap, you guys. The Jon Jones hit-and-run saga has just taken a turn from bad to much, much worse.

Jones, who is (or should we say, was) scheduled to defend his title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in May, was involved in a three car accident in Albuquerque on Saturday morning before fleeing the scene. Marijuana, paraphernalia, and “paperwork belonging to a Jonathan Jones, which had MMA information on it from the state of Nevada” were all found in his rental car, and witnesses on the scene (including an off-duty cop) identified the light heavyweight champion as the man fleeing the scene.

The only person listed as injured in the accident was a 25-year-old pregnant woman who was taken to the hospital for what were at first considered minor injuries after she told police that she “was going to pass out.” Recently, however, it was revealed that the woman’s injuries were a bit more serious than originally reported, and as a result, Albuquerque police are now seeking to bring Jones in on felony charges.

Details after the jump.

Ariel Helwani passes along the updates via his Twitter.

As of this write-up, police have still been unable to locate or even get ahold of Jones in the time since the accident took place, and have asked Jones or anyone with information to call  (505) 242-2677. We will continue to update this post as details are made available.

The post BREAKING: Albuquerque PD Issue Felony Warrant for Jon Jones’ Arrest appeared first on Cagepotato.

New, Sickening Details Emerge in Alexander Emelianenko Sexual Assault Case


(Yup, that’s the face of a rapist alright.)

A couple months back. I lamented the fact that Alexander Emelianenko had managed to settle down with a willing human female despite being incarcerated for the sexual assault of a different, unwilling 26 year-old woman (among other things). While details were scarce at the time as to what Emelianenko had allegedly done to Moldovan Polina Stepanova, a housekeeper at Alex’s apartment complex, Russian publication BFM.Ru  (via Bloody Elbow) recently released some of the horrific particulars of the case.

Read on if you can stomach it.


(Yup, that’s the face of a rapist alright.)

A couple months back. I lamented the fact that Alexander Emelianenko had managed to settle down with a willing human female despite being incarcerated for the sexual assault of a different, unwilling 26 year-old woman (among other things). While details were scarce at the time as to what Emelianenko had allegedly done to Moldovan Polina Stepanova, a housekeeper at Alex’s apartment complex, Russian publication BFM.Ru  (via Bloody Elbow) recently released some of the horrific particulars of the case.

Read on if you can stomach it.

The charges currently pending against Emelianenko range from sexual assault to “kidnapping” by withholding a passport and the forced use of “narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.”

It appears the veteran fighter stole his substitute housekeeper’s passport from her purse while she was cleaning the house and extorted her for sexual favours.

“According to Pauline, she was removed for a long time in the apartment, then Emelianenko offered her to play cards with him, but she refused. After that, he slapped her on the head. He forced her to smoke a cigarette with “grass” and drink alcohol. All requests to let her go home and not to touch Emelianenko were refused.”

However, Emelianenko did offer her to “jump out the window” if she desired.

In the time since Stepanova has pressed charges against Emelianenko, she has additionally been facing harassment from his friends, who I can only assume look something like this. In addition to threatening the lives of Stepanova and her children, Emelianenko’s friends have allegedly attempted to bribe her to change her testimony.

Alexander, on the other hand, is claiming that the “intimate” act that happened between himself and Stepanova was consensual.

Ugh. I just don’t understand how one Emelianenko can be a harmless, humble, ice-cream loving teddy bear outside of the ring and the other a sadistic rapist. I mean, I have two brothers, and not a one of us have ever been convicted of a sex crime.

Arrested, yes. But her family later dropped the charges, alright, and how was I supposed to know she was actually 16? SHE WAS SMOKING PALL MALL 100′s WHEN WE WERE INTRODUCED, FOR CHRIST’S SAKE.

-J. Jones