Back to the MMA Newsfeed

‘Absolutely devastated’ - BKFC fighter Dillon Cleckler issues statement on the death of opponent Justin Thornton

Justin Thornton died this past weekend, weeks after he suffered a KO in a bare knuckle boxing contest at BKFC 20. He was 39 years old.

Thornton, who was knocked out in the first round by Dillon Cleckler and fell head first to the canvas, was transported directly from the fight to a local hospital. He remained in hospital until his passing.

Thornton was making his debut in BKFC. He held a 6-18 record in MMA. He had lost his past five contests, two by stoppages due to strikes. Clecker has an 11-1 MMA record and had won his first two bouts in BKFC, both by stoppages.