War Machine -- Victim Starred in Crime-Riddled Reality Show

Corey Thomas -- the guy War Machine beat up before attacking Christy Mack -- has the distinction of being on a reality show riddled with tales of violent crime -- including murder.

Corey -- who made a fortune in web design -- was one of the stars of VH1's "Megan Wants a Millionaire." You may recall his co-star Ryan Jenkins hanged himself in 2009 ... days after killing his wife, cutting her up, and stuffing her in a suitcase which he deposited in a dumpster.

Corey's now got his own problems ... a broken nose and 2 black eyes. War Machine allegedly also bit him on the face.

As bad off as he is ... it pales in comparison to his porn star girlfriend Christy, who's in the hospital with 18 broken bones and a ruptured liver.

War Machine is still on the run with 7 warrants out for his arrest.