A bare knuckle boxer has died following a brutal knockout loss suffered at his lone fight for the BKFC promotion.
Heavyweight Justin Thornton, a well known fighter on the regional MMA scene in the US, succumbed to injuries suffered in his first bare-knuckle fight against Dillon Cleckler as part of the BKFC 20 event in August.
The 38-year-old was hospitalised following the first-round knockout loss and never recovered.
My MMA News first reported the news.
The BKFC promotion issued a statement following news Thornton had passed away.
“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.”
https://twitter.com/MyMMANews/status/1445030276380434435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
According to reports the fight against Cleckler lasted just 19 seconds, when he fell head first into the canvas after he was knocked out during an exchange of punches in the middle of the ring.
READ MORE: Panthers star Brian To’o proposes to partner after winning NRL Grand Final
READ MORE: NRL Grand Final player ratings
READ MORE: Wayne Bennett speaks on coaching future following grand final loss
Thornton was reportedly partially paralysed after the fight and remained in hospital on a ventilator for weeks after the fight.
The official cause of death is yet to be released.
Prior to his debut fight in BKFC, Thornton competed in 24 MMA bouts with fights against a number of recognisable names, including UFC heavyweights Chase Sherman and Walt Harris.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!