Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65 is shaping up to be an unforgettable fight. Both men bring a wealth of experience and a desire to prove themselves in the bare-knuckle boxing world
For Stephens, it’s a chance to continue his winning streak and establish himself as a top contender in BKFC. For Taylor, it’s an opportunity to solidify his place in the lightweight division and make a statement with a win over a well-known former UFC fighter.
As the co-main event of the night, this bout is sure to deliver fireworks, and fans can expect a high-stakes, action-packed contest from start to finish.
Whether Stephens’ power or Taylor’s experience prevails, one thing is certain: this fight will leave a lasting impact on the BKFC lightweight division.
BKFC 65: Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor will be remembered as one of the most thrilling fights in the organization’s history. Both fighters delivered a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the raw and brutal nature of bare-knuckle boxing.
For Stephens, it was a well-deserved victory that reasserted his place as a top contender in BKFC. Taylor, despite the loss, demonstrated remarkable resilience and left the ring with his head held high.
Also Read: Jeremy Stephens (UFC): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Legacy, Net Worth 2024 and More
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Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65: Battle of Veterans
The highly anticipated co-main event of BKFC 65 is set to take place on Friday, September 6, at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.1
Jeremy Stephens and Bobby Taylor will face off in a bare-knuckle lightweight showdown, with both fighters looking to make a statement in their respective careers.
Stephens, a former UFC fighter with an impressive mixed martial arts background, will go up against Taylor, a seasoned BKFC veteran. This fight has all the makings of a classic, with both men bringing experience, grit, and skill to the ring.
Stephens’ Fighting Style and What to Expect
Stephens’ fighting style is characterized by his relentless forward pressure, heavy hands, and willingness to engage in brawls.
While in the UFC, he was known for his devastating knockout power, which he often utilized to finish fights in spectacular fashion. His ability to absorb punishment while dishing out damage has made him a fan favorite over the years.
In bare-knuckle boxing, where fighters compete without gloves, Stephens’ striking power becomes even more dangerous. The lack of padding amplifies the impact of each punch, and Stephens’ aggressive approach could spell trouble for his opponents.
Fans can expect Stephens to bring his signature intensity into the ring, pressing the action and looking for an early knockout against Bobby Taylor.
Bobby Taylor: Who Is He?
The BKFC Veteran
On the other side of the co-main event is Bobby Taylor, a veteran of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.2
Taylor holds a 6-2 record in BKFC and is currently ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division.
His experience in the bare-knuckle arena gives him a unique advantage, as he has already adapted to the nuances of fighting without gloves. Taylor has faced some tough opponents in his BKFC career and has proven himself to be a durable and skilled competitor.
Taylor’s most recent fight took place in May 2024, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Roberts at BKFC Fight Night Omaha.
This win added to his growing reputation as a top lightweight contender in the promotion. Facing Jeremy Stephens will be Taylor’s biggest test yet, but a win over the former UFC star could catapult him into the upper echelon of BKFC fighters.
Taylor’s Strengths and Strategy
Bobby Taylor’s success in bare-knuckle boxing can be attributed to his solid fundamentals and adaptability. Unlike traditional boxing or MMA, bare-knuckle fighting emphasizes timing, precision, and toughness.
Taylor has shown that he can withstand the physical toll of bare-knuckle bouts while staying composed and focused on his game plan.
Against Stephens, Taylor will likely aim to neutralize his opponent’s power by utilizing movement and smart counterpunching.
He will need to avoid engaging in wild exchanges with Stephens and instead look to pick his shots carefully. If Taylor can control the pace of the fight and frustrate Stephens with his defensive skills, he has a real chance of pulling off an upset.
Betting Odds: Stephens Favored to Win
As the fight approaches, betting lines have emerged, indicating that Jeremy Stephens is the favorite to win.
According to the BKFC’s official website, Stephens is a -264 favorite, while Bobby Taylor is listed as a +190 underdog. These odds reflect Stephens’ UFC pedigree and knockout power, as well as his successful debut in bare-knuckle boxing.
However, it is important to remember that anything can happen in combat sports, especially in bare-knuckle fighting, where a single punch can change the outcome of a fight in an instant.
While Stephens may be favored, Taylor’s experience and toughness cannot be underestimated. This fight could very well come down to who can impose their will on the other and capitalize on key moments during the bout.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor: Fighting Style
Both Jeremy Stephens and Bobby Taylor have distinct paths to victory in this fight, and their strategies will play a critical role in determining the outcome.3
For Stephens, the key to victory lies in his ability to close the distance and land powerful shots. If he can pressure Taylor early and unleash his heavy punches, he could overwhelm his opponent and secure a knockout.
Stephens should also be cautious not to get too reckless in his pursuit of a finish. While his aggressive style is a major asset, it could also leave him vulnerable to counterattacks if Taylor is able to weather the storm and remain composed.
For Taylor, the key to victory will be to avoid getting drawn into a brawl with Stephens. He should focus on using his footwork and technical boxing skills to keep Stephens at bay and frustrate him. By controlling the pace of the fight and picking his shots, Taylor can increase his chances of outlasting Stephens and potentially scoring a decision win.
The Significance of the Fight
For both fighters, this bout represents a major opportunity to elevate their careers in BKFC. For Jeremy Stephens, a win would further establish him as a legitimate contender in the bare-knuckle boxing world and prove that his skills translate across combat sports disciplines.
It would also reinforce his reputation as a dangerous and exciting fighter capable of competing at a high level in any setting.
For Bobby Taylor, a win over a fighter of Stephens’ caliber would be a career-defining moment. It would solidify his status as one of the top lightweights in BKFC and potentially put him in line for a title shot.
Defeating a former UFC star would also raise Taylor’s profile within the promotion and garner him more attention from fight fans and media alike.
The Rise of Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with BKFC leading the charge in bringing this ancient form of combat sports back to the mainstream.
Unlike traditional boxing, which utilizes padded gloves, bare-knuckle boxing strips the sport down to its rawest form, emphasizing toughness, precision, and heart.
BKFC has attracted a number of high-profile fighters from other combat sports, including former UFC, Bellator, and boxing champions.
The promotion’s unique format and intense matchups have drawn a growing fanbase, and events like BKFC 65 continue to showcase the excitement and brutality that the sport has to offer.
The appeal of bare-knuckle boxing lies in its unpredictability. Without gloves, fighters must rely on their technique and toughness to survive in the ring. The sport rewards those who can strike with precision and withstand the inevitable punishment that comes with fighting without the protection of gloves.
As a result, bare-knuckle boxing often delivers fast-paced and explosive fights that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor: Victory
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has rapidly gained popularity due to its raw, no-holds-barred nature, and BKFC 65 delivered a thrilling bout between two seasoned fighters, Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens and Bobby “ODB” Taylor.
Both veterans brought their own fighting pedigrees into the ring, with Stephens transitioning from a celebrated UFC career and Taylor known for his toughness and grit in the bare-knuckle arena.
This fight was highly anticipated due to the clash of styles and experience, and fans were not disappointed by the explosive action that unfolded over five brutal rounds.
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The Official Decision: A Well-Deserved Victory
After five intense rounds of back-and-forth action, the judges rendered their decision.
Jeremy Stephens was declared the winner, a fitting result for a fight in which he had consistently landed the more damaging blows and controlled the tempo. Taylor, however, earned respect for his toughness and refusal to quit, despite being knocked down multiple times.
For Stephens, this victory was a triumphant statement in his bare-knuckle career, demonstrating that his power and skillset from the UFC translated well to BKFC.
He was able to showcase his striking ability, power, and fight IQ throughout the bout. Taylor, on the other hand, showed why he is a fan favorite in the BKFC circuit, battling through adversity and staying competitive even when the odds were against him.
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