MMAConvert.com

Justin Eilers was shot and killed earlier today in what appears to be a domestic dispute at an acquaintance’s home in Canyon County, Idaho.

Sherdog’s Loretta Hunt has the details.

Cox said Eilers had gathered with relatives for the holidays, but tensions escalated with an ex-girlfriend, also in attendance. Eilers was asked to leave the residence, but was said to have refused and began throwing dishes and other objects in protest. The home’s owner was then said to have pulled a gun on Eilers and shot him in the chest after a brief verbal confrontation.

Eilers’ ex-girlfriend, mother, and young son were said to have been in the room at the time of the shooting.

James Robert Malec, 48, was arrested and charged with second degree murder in relation with the shooting, said Capt. Maxfield. It is believed that Malec is Eilers’ mother’s boyfriend. Capt. Maxfield could not confirm this relationship or Eilers’ alleged interaction with the ex-girlfriend. Maxfield did confirm that numerous relatives were at the scene at the time of the shooting.

Truly saddening news, especially during the holiday season. Our thoughts go out to Eilers’ friends and family during this tragic time.

EliteXC “Unfinished Business” took place earlier this evening at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California. A portion of the card aired on Showtime. The main card was broadcast live on CBS. This event was the second mixed martial arts event to air on major network television.

Three titles were on the line tonight.

Antonio Silva looked to stake his claim as the EliteXC Heavyweight Champion in a match against former UFC fighter Justin Eilers.

Jake Shields finally got his opportunity to compete for a championship belt as he faced off the always dangerous Nick Thompson.

In a rematch from EliteXC’s network television debut, Robbie Lawler looked to defend his middleweight crown against Scott Smith. The first fight ended in controversy when Lawler inadvertently poked Smith in the eye causing the doctors to stop the fight.

Nick Diaz, Rafael Feijao, Shayna Baszler, Wilson Reis and Cris Cyborg were also in action.

Results after the jump.

Photo courtesy of Sherdog.com

No, it’s not going to be Sergei Kharitonov who will step in the cage on July 26 to face Antonio Silva. Considering who will be, however, makes that a big fat disappointment. Instead of the PRIDE veteran, who has some solid wins under his belt, we get a UFC veteran who’s lost to everyone with a recognizable name—Justin Eilers.

According to Five Oz., Eilers and Silva have verbally agreed to the fight and the deal is close to being finalized.

EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw revealed the news when contacted by FiveOuncesOfPain.com earlier this afternoon.

Five Ounces of Pain later contacted Eilers’ manager, Monte Cox, who indicated that it is their intention to FAX a signed contract to EliteXC officials later today.

Shaw also said that it’s still up in the air on whether or not the fight will be for the title.

“It’s still in discussion with EliteXC officials if we’re going to make it a title fight or not. But we feel if we did, Justin is a credible and worthy opponent, and rival challenge for Junior Silva.”

Currently, EliteXC has not set a total number of fights that will happen for either the Showtime or CBS portions of the broadcast. The Showtime card will weigh heavily on whether the Antonio Silva bout is for a title because of the length of the fight moving from three to five rounds.

Eilers may have won his last 10 of 11 fights, but it certainly wasn’t against anyone that justifies giving him a title shot on a national stage. I understand that Eilers wasn’t EliteXC’s first choice and maybe he’s the best they could do on short notice, and that’s fine if they just want to put him against Silva in a normal fight, but to make it a fight for any kind of title is just short of absurd.

The latest EliteXC “Unfinished Business” fight card and event info can be found in our fight cards section.