Bantamweight MMA Prospect Cornelius Godfrey Killed in Motorcycle Accident

The mixed martial arts world has lost one of the bantamweight division’s brightest prospects.

Cornelius Godfrey, who went 8-1 as a professional following a successful amateur career, passed away early Thursday morning after his motorcycle collided with a guardrail in Columbus, Ohio.

Godfrey made his professional debut in 2011. He called Ground Zero Fighting Systems in Huntington, W.V., home while honing his skillset for much of his career. He had recently moved to Columbus to train at Ronin Training Center

Godfrey’s win column consisted of two knockouts, three submissions, and two decisions.

He most recently earned back-to-back victories over “The Ultimate Fighter 14” competitor B.J. Ferguson at Spartan FC 17 and Corey Simmons at UVC 23 this past May.

During my 10 years in the sport, I have been fortunate to cover many of its amazing athletes. “Corny,” who I had the honor of personally knowing, was a loving father and husband.

There wasn’t a room that Corny’s smile couldn’t light up and the passion he possessed for this great sport will forever live on.

(Follow @JoshDCarey on Twitter)

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