Bare Knuckle Fighter Justin Thornton Tragically Dies After KO Loss At BKFC 20

Bare knuckle fighter Justin Thornton has tragically passed away, aged 38, following a knockout defeat at BKFC 20.

MMA veteran Thornton sadly died on October 4 after suffering a stoppage defeat at an event in August.

The heavyweight bout ended in the first round after Dillon Cleckler knocked out Thornton with a huge right hook.

Image: BKFC

The bare knuckle promotion announced the death of Thornton, issuing a statement on social media.

It reads: "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.

"We join the rest of the combat sports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Per Thornton's Facebook page, he was hospitalised after suffering a knockout in a clash that lasted just 19 seconds.

He fell face first to the canvas after getting tagged in the middle of the ring.

Reports claim he was partially paralysed after the fight and placed on a ventilator in hospital for several weeks while also fighting off an infection from a spinal cord injury.

Image: Justin Thornton/Facebook

Thornton made his name in MMA, fighting in regional promotions and had a professional record of 6-18.

He fought UFC heavyweights Walt Harris and Chase Sherman during his MMA career.

Thornton was on a five-fight losing skid in MMA heading into his bare knuckle debut.

Topics: Bare Knuckle

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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