MMA fighter War Machine attempts suicide in prison after arrest for allegedly beating girlfriend

Jonathan Koppenhaver is accused of beating his former adult film actress Christy Mack

Jonathan Koppenhaver is accused of beating his former adult film actress Christy Mack (War Machine/Twitter)

A mixed martial-arts fighter accused of domestic violence has attempted suicide in prison, according to US authorities.

Jonathan Koppenhaver, 32, is known in MMA circles by the stage name War Machine.

A prison officer who checked on Mr Koppenhaver on Tuesday found him unresponsive in his cell, according to the US local news channel KSNV.

The incident is said to have occurred on the same day he was set to appear in court to discuss a plea deal.

Koppenhaver is being held at the Clark County Detention Centre in Las Vegas. He allegedly beat his former girlfriend, adult film actress Christy Mack, and a male friend on 8 August.

He said he had been on his way to surprise his then girlfriend with an engagement ring when he discovered her with another man.

"I only wish that man hadn't been there and that Christy and I would be happily engaged," he posted on the social network Twitter shortly after the event. "I don't know y I'm so cursed. One day truth will come out."

He is facing charges of domestic battery and attempted murder.

Suicide is a preventable cause of death and anyone in need of support should contact the charity Samaritans.