The famous aggressive MMA fighter, Jonathan Paul otherwise known as War Machine has been in the limelight for a long time following his series of trials and convictions after brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, he competed in the Welterweight division and was a part of the MMA’s Team Serra. During his career, the fighter completed 19 professional fights out of which he recorded 14 wins and five losses. In addition to his fighting stints, War Machine is also a well-known adult movie star. He has worked with notable adult actresses such as Riley Steele, among others. Learn more about his career, personal life, and other facts below.
Who is War Machine, the MMA Fighter?
He is a former American mixed martial artist, adult film actor, and a convicted felon. Born as Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver on the 30th day of November 1981; his birth took place in Simi Valley neighborhood of California in the United States. He is American by nationality and is of Mexican and German-American ancestry.
Growing up, he spent his early years in Simi Valley along with his two siblings, a brother, and a sister. There are no records of his basic education; however, the fighter briefly attended The Citadel in Charleston for two years before he was expelled for his bad conduct.
Professional Career
War Machine started training as a fighter as a teenager and in 2004, he joined The Ultimate Fighter Championship where he eventually kicked off his professional fighting career. He made his MMA debut with a win by total knockout against Angel Santibanez in February 2004. After that, he went on to win his next two bouts against Andrew Ramirez and Frank Duffy. During the Ultimate Fighter Season 6 finale in December 2007, War Machine defeated Jared Rollins in what was tagged the Knockout and Fight of the night.
In 2009, War Machine signed up with the Bellator Fighting Championships but was eventually released after his MySpace blog cited disparaging remarks about with regards to his non-participation in their upcoming tournament. Afterward, he was signed by Independent Promotions where he spent the next two years of his career-ending in 2011. During this time, he fought against top mixed martial artists such as David Mitchell, Mikey Gomez, Roger Bowling, and Jacob McClintock, among others.
He made a comeback to the Bellator Fighting Championship in December 2011 and after his next three professional bouts, he was released in 2014 after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Christy Mack. Meanwhile, throughout his professional career, the mixed martial artist completed 19 professional bouts, out of which he won 14 and lost five.
In addition to his MMA career, the fighter also pursued a career in the adult film industry. He signed up with LA Direct Models in 2008 and went on to appear in 12 adult movies. His most famous appearance was with the renowned adult film actress named Riley Steele. He also graced the cover of Hustler Magazine alongside his then-girlfriend Christy who was also an adult film actress.
Family and Girlfriend
The MMA fighter came from a middle-class American family. His father was a police officer who worked with the Los Angeles Police Department while his mother was a nurse who later became a work-at-home mother. War Machine didn’t experience a very stable childhood; his mother was a drug addict who often left him and his siblings unattended. When he was 13, his father had suffered a heart attack; unfortunately, he couldn’t resuscitate him through CPR. More so, there is no much information regarding his siblings, their names and what they are up to right now.
Regarding his personal life, War Machine hasn’t been linked to many relationships to date. His most publicized relationship was with the adult film actress named Christy Mack. The pair had a tumultuous relationship which lasted for a few years before it abruptly came to an end following news of assault and battery.
According to reports, the former MMA star found his girlfriend, Christy in bed with another man who goes by the name Corey Thomas. The incident happened in Las Vegas in August 2014 and Mack was brutally assaulted before the police could find her. As a result of his barbaric act, War Machine was sentenced to life in prison in March 2017.
Subsequently, the former professional fighter is said to have been engaged and married a lady named Ashley Farrington. Ashley happens to be his pen pal since he went to prison. There are no details regarding their relationship and Ashley, on the other hand, hasn’t disclosed what it feels like being married to a convicted felon.
Net Worth
War Machine hasn’t been very financially successful in his career following his battle with the law. However, when the fighter was active, he won a few professional fights and also earned a substantial amount from winning championships. Although he might be incarcerated; the fighter runs a personal blog and currently boasts of a net worth of $100,000.
