Last week, the combat sports industry and the Muay Thai community in Las Vegas were struck by the tragic death of professional MMA and Muay Thai fighter, Anthony Castrejon. The 32-year-old athlete died at University Medical Center after being attacked during an alleged argument.
Castrejon, who trained at One Kick’s Gym, had taken a severe knock to the head and was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital. According to the arrest report from the North Las Vegas Police Department, Castrejon was allegedly struck with a metal rod during the attack. He was found bleeding from his head and ears on the sidewalk at East Owens Avenue and Civic Center Drive.
The authorities have detained two men in connection to Castrejon’s killing. 19-year-old Jose Rosas-Gonzalez is charged with suspicion of accessory to battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm and accessory to grand larceny of a firearm, while 23-year-old Miguel Rosas-Gonzalez is charged with battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm and grand larceny of a firearm.
Although the exact cause of the fatal blow is unknown, it is believed that Castrejon was struck after getting into a fight. His loved ones, along with the combat sports industry, have been left in mourning.
Nick Blomgren, the proprietor of One Kick’s Gym, paid tribute to Castrejon in a heartfelt Facebook post. He remembered the athlete’s career in combat sports and the impact he had on the gym since he started training at just 13 years old. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist Castrejon’s family with burial and medical expenses.
The death of Anthony Castrejon is a tragic loss for the combat sports community, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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“Anthony Castrejon AKA ‘Pretty Boy’ has passed away. He was like a son to me, I raised him in the gym from the age of 13. He was a troubled kid, I promised to make him a champion if he stayed out of trouble!” Blomgren recalled. “He won multiple titles and (was) one of the best head kickers out of One Kick’s Gym till this day! OKG is helping fundraise funeral cost to help his family cover funeral arrangements! Please donate whatever you can. We would appreciate the help! Thanks everyone for all the love and support.”
Lamentations continue to pour in for the sudden passing of Muay Thai fighter and coach, Castrejon. His friends, family, and fellow fighters have been gathering at his gym to mourn his loss. The renowned fighter was known as “Pretty Boy” and had an impressive career with seven knockouts out of his twelve professional fights.
Former UFC fighter, Steve Cantwell, spoke highly of Castrejon, recalling his impressive head-kick knockouts, which he believed surpassed any other fighter he knew personally. Castrejon made headlines when he competed on UFC Fight Pass at the second Triumphant Muay Thai event in 2017.
The One Kick’s affiliate’s career included experimentation in mixed martial arts, where he had a 1-1 record as a professional. Castrejon’s infamous head-kick knockout was one of his signature moves, and he used it to great effect throughout his career, most notably against Travis Clay.
Despite some setbacks in his career, Castrejon fought under the prestigious Bellator MMA banner in 2017, where he was unfortunately defeated by Daniel Gonzalez in the first round via knockout.
Castrejon’s passing is a significant loss to the world of martial arts, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered by fans and fellow fighters alike.