Kaleb Harris wants to right a wrong in BKFC 30 rematch

Kaleb Harris wants to right a wrong in BKFC 30 rematch

Saturday, Sep 24 2022 by BKFC Staff

Rematches are rare in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Squared Circle, but Kaleb Harris has a second chance to dance with Harris Stephenson at BKFC 30.

The two first threw down at BKFC 5 in 2019. Stephenson earned the victory by split decision in an exciting, back-and-forth fight. Now, more than 40 months later, they meet again on Oct. 1 in Monroe, LA, LIVE on the BKFC app.

Harris says it's a loaded question to ask a fighter if they believe they won a close decision. He won't say he was robbed in their first meeting, but he insists he's a whole different beast this time around. He's earned four victories in the Squared Circle since doing battle with Stephenson, most recently going five rounds with Elvin Brito, with BKFC gold on the line.

Harris doesn't believe the judges will be necessary for this highly anticipated sequel.

"I do think I'll get the stoppage," he said. "I'm not going out there hunting for it, but I feel the opportunity will present itself. I'm very confident. I'm training hard to put fist to jaw as many times as possible."

Harris is a much more experienced bare knuckle fighter now than he was when he first met Stephenson. He's older and wiser. Most importantly, he's having fun again.

Harris admits fighting lost some of its luster as he worked his way to the top of the rankings. The stakes rose, and fighting became more of a job than a passion. After taking a bit of time away from competing, Harris is ready to reintroduce himself in style at BKFC 30.

"You've got to remember why you started fighting, which is because it's fun. I had to get back to my roots – I'm just a fighter by birth. That's what I am, and this is what I love to do."

He isn't looking past Stephenson, of course, but he's looking forward to having a lot more fun in the Squared Circle in the years to come.

"I'm not chasing the title shot anymore. If the promotion says I've earned it, then I'll take it," Harris said. "If I have to beat five more guys to get the shot, then I'll put five bodies on the floor."

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