On Wednesday, December 17th, police found the dead body of mixed martial arts fighter Justin Levens and his wife Sarah McLean-Levens. They were found in the home in California and the initial findings point to a murder-suicide.

The 28-year-old Levens grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to Newport Beach, California. In Newport Beach, Levens learned how to fight — gaining a black belt in Vale Tudo. When he began his mixed martial arts career, he quickly became a rising star in the sport.

His first MMA fight was in May of 2004 and he defeated Hector Carrilo by TKO. He followed up that fight with a knockout of Jeff Dowman in June of 2004. In his next five fights, he posts victories over Mitch Nester, Eber Saulido, Tosh Cook, Tony Lopez and Jorge Oliveira. Seven fights into his career, Levens was 7-0 and was considered a possible MMA superstar.

In his next three fights, he wasn’t as lucky. He posted three straight losses. He first lost to Scott Smith in a WEC fight. He then lost to Evan Tanner in UFC 59. Levens’ third straight defeat was in a UFC fight against Jorge Santiago.

With his career seemingly in trouble, Levens won two straight fights — against Justin Hawes and Brian Warren. But then his career officially started a downward spiral. With a record of 9-3, Levens lost his next five fights. The slide started with a loss against Reese Andy in January of 2007. The four other losses came against Vladimir Matyushenko, Brian Foster, Nathan James and Kenny Ento.

While police are continuing their investigation, it appears as if the murder-suicide angle will be ultimate determination. The gun was found next to Levens, which suggests he was the perpetrator.

Although no suicide note was found, some of his friends suggest that Levens was depressed about his failing career and that money troubles may have been an issue.

Tags: justin levens, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, UFC
Posted in Sports |