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Dillon Cleckler, BKFC Fighter, Reacts to Opponent Justin Thornton’s Death

BKFC fighter Dillon Cleckler had a unique relationship and friendship with his recent opponent Justin Thornton, as the two Mississippi-born fighters fought against one another twice in the span of their careers. But, things took a tragic turn after Thornton died at just 38 years old just days after their BKFC 20 fight, following a […]

Cleckler viciously knocked out Thornton just second into the fight at BKFC 20, catching him with a big right hand that dropped him instantly. Thornton was then taken to a local hospital to treat a severe injury.

After his fight with Cleckler, Thornton also underwent treatment for a severe case of pneumonia on top of the injuries he sustained in the fight, which ultimately resulted in his tragic death.

Cleckler posted a lengthy message on his Facebook page to Thornton and his family.

“As a fighter, nothing prepares you for the news I received this morning on my way to training,” Cleckler posted. “Some of you may not of heard yet but my last opponent Justin Thornton passed away last night due to pneumonia. I can’t help but feel absolutely devastated about this because I’ve known Justin for years. Justin is a warrior. It’s in his blood to fight. He loved it. He fought anyone, anytime and anywhere and when I didn’t have an opponent, he still jumped at the opportunity.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with Justin Thornton and his family at this time. RIP warrior.”

The tragedy shocked the MMA community and most specifically BKFC and Cleckler. This comes as BKFC has risen in popularity in recent months especially with big signings such as Paige Van Zant and others.

A formal cause of death hasn’t been made public, but a young life and athlete has been taken away far too soon. Cleckler’s words go a long way in describing the type of person Thornton was to his colleagues and fellow athletes.

What is your reaction to the death of BKFC fighter Justin Thornton?

MMA Fighter Justin Thornton Dies One Month After Being KOd At BKFC 20

A veteran MMA fighter known as Justin Thornton has unfortunately passed away at 38, one month removed from losing a bare knuckle boxing match by knockout. At BKFC 20 on Aug. 20 in Mississippi, Thornton was matched with Dillon Cleckler but was knocked unconscious in nineteen seconds. The BKFC 20 defeat marked Thornton’s six loss […]

Continue Reading MMA Fighter Justin Thornton Dies One Month After Being KOd At BKFC 20 at MMA News.

A veteran MMA fighter known as Justin Thornton has unfortunately passed away at 38, one month removed from losing a bare knuckle boxing match by knockout.

At BKFC 20 on Aug. 20 in Mississippi, Thornton was matched with Dillon Cleckler but was knocked unconscious in nineteen seconds. The BKFC 20 defeat marked Thornton’s six loss in a row, all of which came by knockout or submission. Following the knockout, Thornton was laid out on the canvas for several minutes after the finishing blow.

Nearly a month later, on Sept. 23, a post was made on Thornton’s Facebook which indicated that the fighter was paralyzed, required assistance breathing, and also suffered an infection in his lungs and spinal cord. Amber, his long-time partner, said even in his last moments, he was cracking jokes and smiling.

On Tuesday, the founder of BKFC, David Feldman released a statement to MMA Fighting about the sudden death of Justin Thornton.

“This morning we were very saddened to be notified of the passing of one of our fighters, Justin Thornton, who competed at BKFC 20 on August 20, 2021,” Feldman said. “We join the rest of the combat sports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

With the death of yet another MMA fighter, it appears head trauma continues to disrupt the momentum of combat sports. Less than three weeks ago, we sadly reported that a Brazilian MMA fighter named Lucas Gabriel Peres passed due to similar head trauma.

As of this writing, medical officials are unaware as to why his health declined so rapidly in the last few weeks. With head trauma continuing to take lives, many are wondering when MMA organizations will take proactive measures and prioritize fighter safety. While the cause of death has not been publicly confirmed, if any pertinent details emerge about the death of Justin Thornton, MMANews.com will keep you on the beat.

Continue Reading MMA Fighter Justin Thornton Dies One Month After Being KOd At BKFC 20 at MMA News.

Justin Thornton Dies After Suffering Knockout Loss At BKFC 20

One-time BKFC competitor Justin Thornton has passed away due to injuries suffered in a knockout loss in August. He was 38. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship released a statement on Thornton’s passing after an initial report from MyMMANews. “This morning we were very saddened to be notified of the passing of one of our fighters, Justin […]

One-time BKFC competitor Justin Thornton has passed away due to injuries suffered in a knockout loss in August. He was 38.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship released a statement on Thornton’s passing after an initial report from MyMMANews.

“This morning we were very saddened to be notified of the passing of one of our fighters, Justin Thornton, who competed at BKFC 20 on August 20, 2021,” BKFC president Dave Feldman said.

“We join the rest of the combat sports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Thornton faced off against Dillon Clecker at BKFC 20. The fight ended in just 19 seconds, as Thornton was knocked unconscious and fell face first to the mat. He was taken to the hospital afterwards and was reportedly partially paralyzed from his injuries. He would remain in the hospital for several weeks as he fought off an infection from a spinal cord injury. A GoFundMe campaign was started to help his family cover medical expenses.

Prior to joining BKFC, Thornton was a mainstay on the regional MMA circuit. He compiled a 6-18 record over his career, fighting notables such as Chase Sherman and Walt Harris, as well as Contender Series alumni Michael Lombardo and Austen Lane. Most notably, he took part in a highly-publicized bout against Titan FC COO Lex McMahon in November 2020.

Everyone at LowKick MMA sends our deepest condolences to Justin Thornton’s family and friends.