When wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan discovered that UFC fighter "War Machine" was arrested for attacking former girlfriend Christy Mack and another man, he lashed out.
Christy Mack is a model and adult-film actress who was in a relationship with War Machine. The two previously appeared in the January 2014 issue of adult magazine Hustler.
War Machine's real name is Jonathan Koppenhaver. He used to be a professional mixed martial arts fighter for the UFC and Bellator. In a report by the Washington Post, he was arrested without bail for seven felony charges for attacking Mack and another guy on August 8, 2014. Mack ended up with 18 broken bones around her eyes, missing teeth, one fractured rib, a broken nose and a ruptured liver.
At the time of the attack, Mack was with reality star Corey Thomas, in her home in Las Vegas. Koppenhaver allegedly forced his way into the house. In a report by Inquisitr, War Machine cut Mack's hair off using a knife and attempted to rape her. Mack was fortunate to escape after the beating and had a neighbor take her to a hospital. On August 22, 2014, Koppenhaver was apprehended by United States Marshals at a hotel in Simi Valley, California.
A video was shared by X17 Online, which featured the Hulkster disapproving of the violent act. He said in the four-minute clip, "That's not a good situation at all. It's not cool at all, brother." He added, "He's lucky it wasn't Ronda Rousey; he could've been in trouble."
Although Hogan may have good intentions in complimenting Rousey or reprimanding Koppenhaver, some fans disapproved of his comments. Some said that the wrestler was "insensitive" by either encouraging more violence or hinting that the victim could have prevented the injuries if she were as strong as the UFC women's champion. Other fans did not make much out of the situation, knowing Hogan to be a good endorser since his wrestling days decades ago. In the video, Hulk Hogan also challenged Brock Lesnar, who recently won the WWE heavyweight championship belt.
Actor Chuck Zito was also criticized for commenting that Mack deserved to be assaulted if she were found cheating on War Machine. Zito immediately apologized for his statement.
Ronda Rousey has yet to comment on the incident. She is currently busy doing a number of film roles. She last fought and won against Alexis Davis in July 2014 at UFC 175.