Former UFC fan favorite Jeremy Stephens scored his second-straight win inside the squared circle on Saturday night at BKFC 65 in Salt Lake City.
Making his promotional debut last December against Jimmie Riviera, ‘Lil Heathen’ earned a third-round doctor’s stoppage TKO in a brutally entertaining brawl. This time, Stephens was paired up with Bobby Taylor, a bare-knuckle veteran closing in on his fifth year with the promotion.
Stephens was in complete control from the opening bell, out-landing Taylor and scoring the more devastating strikes, including a vicious knockdown in the closing seconds of the third round. To his credit, Taylor answered the count and made it through two more rounds, but by the time it was all said and done, Stephens was sitting on a guaranteed victory in his sophomore appearance.
Official Result: Jeremy Stephens defeats Bobby Taylor via unanimous decision (49-43, 49-43, 49-43)
Following the victory, Stephens called out UFC megastar and part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Conor McGregor.
“Utah, you guys are some great f*cking fans,” Stephens said following the win. “[BKFC president] David Feldman said this was going to be a staple here. I would love to continue fighting here. And f*ck Conor McGregor! Who wouldn’t love to beat up their f*ckin’ boss? I’m livin’ the dream!”
“WHO WOULDN’T LOVE TO BEAT UP THEIR BOSS” @LiLHeathenMMA returns fire at @TheNotoriousMMA #BKFC65 | Live NOW on BKFC App pic.twitter.com/3IyYxp1Du7
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) September 7, 2024
After going 29-21 over the course of 17 years in mixed martial arts, Stephens tried his hand at traditional boxing, going 0-2 against Jose Aldo and Chris Avila in the process. Thus far, he is 2-0 in BKFC.
Check Out Highlights From Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor at BKFC 65:
https://x.com/FOXDeportes/status/1832262202713157649
https://x.com/full_send_mma/status/1832261638738919608
@LiLHeathenMMA HUGEEE KNOCKDOWN #BKFC65 pic.twitter.com/kyNWae8cPN
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) September 7, 2024
Jeremy Stephens defeats Bobby Taylor by unanimous decision (49-43, 49-43, 49-43) #BKFC65 pic.twitter.com/AKCuhtFc2X
— Scott (@ScottishProbl) September 7, 2024
