Dallas-based MMA fighter Ivan “J.P.” Cole is dead after suffering a gunshot wound at 7:30 am Saturday while playing a game of Russian Roulette. The 25-year-old MMA instructor had a record of 2-3 in his professional fighting career, with his last bout — a submission loss — coming in March of 2015 at Bellator 135. He is survived by his wife of two years. To make matters even more heartbreaking, they just had their anniversary on Friday.
MMA fighters can sometimes be generalized as a rowdy bunch, and certainly as risk-takers. After all, they do get punched in the face for a living. What Cole was doing playing Russian Roulette at 7:30 am may never be known, but a picture can be painted of a thrill-seeking fighter who was suspended by the Texas Athletic Commission for one year due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
This isn’t MMA’s first brush with the deadly “game” of Russian Roulette. After losing by knockout to Fedor Emelianenko, UFC star Andrei Arlovski put a single bullet in a revolver, spun the barrel, put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. He’s alive today, but the Belarusian has made it known he’s played the deadly game more than once.
We have reached out to Bellator, and will update if they provide a statement.
(Via DallasNews)