Parker Porter enjoyed a memorable Father’s Day this year.
The day before the holiday, Porter upped his BKFC record to 2-0 with a second straight stoppage victory in the Squared Circle over former BKFC World Heavyweight Title challenger Dillon Cleckler. Two very special guests were in attendance at the sold-out Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT — Porter’s twin sons.
“This is the first time that they were ever at one of my fights in person. They watched me on TV when I was with the UFC, but this was the first time that they watched in the venue, and that was pretty special,” the West Hartford, CT product says.
“The day of the fight was actually their birthday, which made it even more special,” he adds. “I got the W, and the next day we went out and had a great celebration.”
Getting the win is the priority, and doing it in front of family is icing on the cake. But Porter’s fight didn’t play out exactly as he would’ve liked. For the first time in his BKFC career, Porter had to pick himself up off the canvas after weathering an early knockdown in his matchup with Cleckler.
“Thankfully it wasn’t one of those shots that you’re not able to recover from, so when I got dropped and got back up, I was pretty mad,” Porter says with a laugh.
“I just kept trudging forward and landed a good overhand right that stumbled him. I was able to capitalize on that by getting him in the clinch and landing a good uppercut.”
The goal is to not have to overcome much adversity in the Squared Circle, but having the grit to pick yourself up off the canvas is part of what separates good fighters from great fighters in BKFC.
“It was a good test,” Porter agrees.
“I can feel the power, and I can handle it. Even if it puts me down, I’m still in it. I can adapt and overcome.”
Porter is looking for a quick turnaround in the Squared Circle.
“I’m not one to call people out; I just want to stay active and keep working my way to the belt,” he says. “Whatever the next step in that journey is, I’m going to be ready for it.”
