BKFC 65: Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor: Live round-by-round updates

Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor at lightweight will serve as the co-main event at BKFC 65 on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This will be Stephens' (1-0) second rodeo as a bare-knuckle boxer since making a successful debut against Jimmie Rivera at BKFC 56 in December. However, don't let his bare-knuckle boxing record fool you, the 'Lil Heathen' is a former UFC fighter and boasts an extensive MMA record of 29-21.

In the other half of the event, Taylor (6-2) is a BKFC veteran. Currently ranked No.5 in the division, a win against the former UFC star will help him solidify his position in the division.

Taylor was last seen in a unanimous decision win against Ryan Roberts at BKFC Fight Night Omaha in May.

Per the promotion's website, Stephens is a -264 favorite over 'ODB' (+190 underdog) for the matchup.

The main card is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.

Check out the full fight card below:

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BKFC 65: Jeremy Stephens vs. Bobby Taylor

Round 1

Stephens draws first blood as he cuts his opponent's left eyebrow with a powerful straight. A huge overhand right and double uppercuts on the exit land for the former UFC fighter.

A dominant round for 'Lil Heathen'

Our score: 10-9 Stephens.

Round 2

Taylor pops a few jabs which find their mark. A few more jabs to the head lands for 'ODB'. Stephens is looking for an entry into range. A swelling appears on the left eye of Stephens.

'Lil Heathen' is not realizing as much success as he did in the first round. A huge right hand by 'ODB' stuns Stephens.

Our score: 10-9 Taylor

Round 3

Taylor is throwing bombs but is finding it hard to land on an elusive Stephens. Taylor catches his opponent on the counter. 'Lil Heathen' gets stung with another straight right hand.

Wow!!! A powerful counter right hook by Stephens floors Taylor. He recovers and continues the fight.

Our score: 10-8 Stephens.

Round 4

Stephens seems more and more comfortable on the feet. Another powerful punch once again floors Taylor. A big cut appears under the fight eye of 'ODB' Nevertheless he survives the count.

As the fight restars Taylor stuns 'Lil Heathen' with a right hand. Stephens connects with a big right hand just before the closing bell.

Our score: 10-8 Stephens.

Round 5

Both men are connecting on each other. Despite enduring sizable punishment in the previous rounds 'ODB' is still in the fight. Taylor connects with a right hand and Stephens answers with a left hook.

Out of nowhere, Taylor drops to the canvas during the closing moments of the fight. He however survives the count. The closing bell rings and the fight is over.

Our score: 10-9 Stephens

Stay tuned for the official decision.

Official decision: Jeremy Stephens def. Bobby Taylor via unanimous decision (49-43, 49-43, 49-43)

Check out Jeremy Stephens' first knockdown over Bobby Taylor below: