Tanner Marlow, 4-0 LFA prospect, killed in Christmas Eve double homicide

An up-and-coming light heavyweight prospect was one of two men killed in a Christmas Eve shooting in California.

Tanner Marlow (4-0), 30, reportedly was at a home in Bakersfield, Calif., on Dec. 24 when an armed man forced his way into the house. Marlow was armed, as well, according to a report from ABC TV 23 in Bakersfield, and the resulting shooting between the two resulted in Marlow’s death, as well as Jacob Malena.

The report said Malena forced his way into the home where his estranged girlfriend lived, that Marlow was there, and the result was the double homicide.

Iridium Sports Agency, which represented Marlow, released a statement that read:

“We’re heartbroken over the tragic passing of our Team Iridium brother Tanner Marlow. Tanner is remembered fondly as one of the most promising unbeaten prospects in the sport of MMA, and a very proud family man. Tanner is missed greatly, and we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and team at this difficult time.”

Marlow had his first pro fight in 2012, a first-round knockout. But he didn’t fight pro again for nearly five years – another first-round knockout. He picked up another knockout finish 20 months later, then finally got his biggest break yet with the LFA.

At LFA 134 in June, the light heavyweight took out Joel Guzman with a second-round TKO to move to 4-0.