MMA – Justin Thornton dies after BKFC 20 knockout loss to Dillon Cleckler in August – Justin Thornton, whose MMA career included 24 pro fights, has died after injuries sustained in a knockout loss at BKFC 20 in August.
BKFC President Dave Feldman confirmed Thornton’s death to MMA Junkie on Monday following an initial report from My MMA News.
“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 told MMA Junkie in a prepared statement. “We join the rest of the combat sports community in sending our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Thornton fought Dillon Cleckler in a heavyweight bout at BKFC 20 in Biloxi, Miss. Cleckler caught him with a right hand, and Thornton fell to the canvas face first just 18 seconds into the fight. Thornton was taken out of the ring on a stretcher and reportedly had been hospitalized since the fight – including on a ventilator. An exact cause of death has not been announced.
The 38-year-old Thornton took the bareknuckle fight with Cleckler on a five-fight skid in MMA – all first-round stoppages, including two knockout losses. He hadn’t won an MMA fight since October 2016. His most recent MMA loss came in less than a minute to MMA promoter Lex McMahon, who was fighting as a pro for the first time.
Thornton’s career MMA record was 8-16, all for regional promotions. His first pro fight was in 2008.
The fight with Cleckler was a rematch. Cleckler beat him under the Island Fights banner in 2013. Cleckler came into the BKFC 20 fight with an 11-1 MMA record and two knockout wins for BKFC.
How Old Was Justin Thornton? Age & Family Explored
Justin Thornton age was 38 years old at the time of his death.
The 6-feet-1-inch fighter was born on December 7, 1982, in the United States. As of now, not many details are known about his family but they must be going through a difficult time.
Thornton had not discussed his family and personal in public so it’s uncertain if he had any siblings. Also, the Thornton family are yet to release any statement regarding his demise.
Justin Thornton Wife- Was He Married?
Any information regarding Justin Thornton’s wife is scarce, as the fighter rarely spoke about his married or romantic life.
Thornton is not much active on social media and mostly kept his personal life on the down-low. Further, there are also no records of his previous relationships in the media.
As he was never linked to any individual in public, it’s likely he was single before his sudden and tragic demise.
Justin Thornton Net Worth Explored In 2021
Justin Thornton’s verified net worth may be in thousands of dollars.
According to wayofmartailarts.com, an average UFC fighter earned a salary of around $147,965 in 2020.
Thornton was an experienced and senior fighter, so he may have earned above the basic range.
Did Justin Thornton Have Instagram?
Justin Thornton’s Instagram account is not available.
He was not much of a social media person and only had 41 followers on his Twitter. His account, @Natchezboxer, is private.
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