Justin Eilers 1978-2008
by Jesse Holland on Dec 26, 2008 6:17 PM EST
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Former UFC and EliteXC heavyweight contender Justin Eilers was shot to death earlier today in Canyon County, Idaho, in what is being reported as a domestic disturbance turned deadly.
James Robert Malec, believed to be the boyfriend of Eilers mother, was arrested and charged with second degree murder after allegedly shooting Eilers once in the chest in front of a group of relatives after the two were engaged in an altercation.
Paramedics were called to the scene but were unsuccessful in their attempts to stabilize him.
Eilers (19-7-1) was probably most known among casual fans for his three straight losses over a year’s span in the UFC. From February 2005 to February 2006 he dropped three fights — each by first round technical knockout — to Paul Buentello, Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera, respectively.
However, Eilers was on a very impressive streak as of late, having won 10 of his past 12 fights. After falling to Antonio Silva at EliteXC ‘Unfinished Business’ back in July, Eilers was targeting a debut at light heavyweight to further refine his improved skill set and once again prove he was ready for the big stage.
This disturbing news comes barely a week after former UFC and WEC competitor Justin Levens was found dead - also by gunshot - in his California home.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Justin Eilers in this very difficult time. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on this tragic story as it continues to unfold.
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You nutty Americans with your guns, grow up.
by paniczoo on Dec 27, 2008 7:04 AM EST up reply actions
Not all Americans have guns. It’s just due to circumastance. I think Eilers hasn’t got a quick enoug reaction time. Because I myself would not allow anybody to shoot me point blank in the chest.
by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Dec 27, 2008 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
good luck dodging bullets, go try it! YOU CAN DO IT I BELIEVE IN YOU!
by tapps on Dec 27, 2008 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
What a stupid comment. Take your own advice.
by Dicky Mike on Dec 27, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
That sucks. Hate to hear about that happening to anyone.
by blackBEERd on Dec 26, 2008 6:22 PM EST reply actions
a true warrior who would fight any1, rest in peace big man
by ruan-fiy on Dec 26, 2008 6:27 PM EST reply actions
Wow alot of fighters dead latelyalot of fighters named "Justin". Maybe there is more to this story than we know…
by JRE on Dec 26, 2008 6:27 PM EST reply actions
someones got a hit on mma fighters hopefully no more fighter are killed
rest in peace justin e
rest in peace justin l
by liamd on Dec 26, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions
Wow this sux. Thoughts and prayers go to his family. Justin always fought hard. A Miletich fighter, so you know he was something special. His losses were to either the elite or upper class fighters. No shame in that. Of his 27 pro fites, only 4 of them went to decision and of his 19 wins, only 1 went to th judges.
R.I.P Justin
by Serra4life on Dec 26, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions
RIP Justin. 30 is too young to die. His mothers boyfriend shot him? Don’t want to speculate but sounds like he might have been protecting his mom?
by Jake on Dec 26, 2008 6:37 PM EST reply actions
Sherdog has more info. He was shot by moms boyfriend in a room in front of everyone including a young son. He did die at the scene.Unbelievable.
by iagoof22 on Dec 26, 2008 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
Sigh
a sad loss to our sport… rest in peace Justin.
by JonnyBoy on Dec 26, 2008 6:42 PM EST reply actions
RIP EILERS sad to hear this happen during christmas
by matthew on Dec 26, 2008 6:54 PM EST reply actions
I met Justin a little over two years ago at Beatdown In Bakersfield. He was actually very nice. R.I.P Justin.
by belfort_fan on Dec 26, 2008 7:03 PM EST reply actions
in the words of joe rogan. “justin eilers has a head like a fire hydrant.” don’t really know how thats relevant but hey. he was the recipient of one of the funniest ko’s ever when he fought buentello. all joking aside though the guy was a warrior and put on some great ones. much respect.
by jonsey on Dec 26, 2008 7:36 PM EST reply actions
Rest In Peace Eilers your fights were always entertaining.
by HitmanBert on Dec 26, 2008 8:03 PM EST reply actions
it will truely be dissapointing if Justin Eilers is remembered for those three straight defeats in the octagon. what i remember him for is his debut, when he ktfo of mike kyle in the first round of their fight back in 2004. after seeing that ko i thought this guy was going to be a force, what with being miletich camp and all. for sure a big time loss as Justin was still a young man and very talented with that right hook. all respect and condolences to your family, brother, you will be missed.
p.s. there’s that awkward belief that famous folks die in threes. Evan Tanner, Justin Levins and now Eilers. hope that’s it. respect.
by arthurzero on Dec 26, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions
Its crazy i saw Justin Levens and Justin Eilers fight on the same card that night. and they both passed away this passed week.
by belfort_fan on Dec 26, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions
yeah 2 fighters die from gunshot… that’s weird & sad… killed his girlfriends son.. just bad news’’
by THORAZINE on Dec 27, 2008 3:57 AM EST up reply actions
i loved watching this guy fight. sad to see him gone.
by Dan on Dec 26, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions
This is terrible. Very sad news. Rest in peace.
by DSmith on Dec 26, 2008 10:22 PM EST reply actions
Can’t try to say I seen too much of you. Had my own big loss a couple of months ago so know what the familf are going through. Rist in peace and look out for my little bro……
by MMAGreen on Dec 26, 2008 11:35 PM EST reply actions
Justin Eilers was a warrior and was in some of the most entertaining fights I’ve seen. He will be missed.
by Robert on Dec 27, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply actions
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