Luis Palomino built his reputation the hard way. No world championship boxing pedigree. No UFC fame. Just a relentless pressure fighting style, an iron chin, and a willingness to walk through punishment to break opponents. While Austin Trout brought elite boxing credentials to bare knuckle, Palomino represents something different: the fighter who learned his craft specifically in the bare knuckle format.

His 10-1 BKFC record before facing Trout established him as one of the promotion’s top pound-for-pound fighters. He won championships at lightweight and welterweight, defended both titles successfully, and stopped some of BKFC’s most dangerous fighters. Then Austin Trout handed him his first bare knuckle loss, completely neutralizing the pressure style that had dominated everyone else.

For bettors, Palomino represents the classic comeback story. A champion who tasted defeat for the first time, moved back to his natural weight class, and now gets his chance at redemption. The question is whether revenge motivation and weight class advantage can overcome the technical skill disparity the first fight revealed.

Background: MMA Foundation to Bare Knuckle Dominance

Early MMA Career

Luis Palomino began his combat sports career in mixed martial arts, compiling a respectable 27-14 record across multiple promotions. His MMA background provided the foundation for bare knuckle success: comfort in a combat environment, experience taking punishment, and an aggressive fighting mindset.

MMA Fighting Style:

• Orthodox striker with pressure-based approach
• Solid takedown defense (75% stuff rate in later career)
• Power punching with knockout ability
• Durable chin that allowed him to trade

While Palomino never reached the UFC or Bellator’s elite levels, his MMA career demonstrated the attributes that would translate to bare knuckle: aggression, durability, and stopping power.

Transition Decision:

Palomino transitioned to bare knuckle in 2019 as BKFC was establishing itself. The move made strategic sense. His striking-heavy MMA style aligned perfectly with bare knuckle’s rules. The promotion needed legitimate fighters to build credibility. Palomino saw opportunity.

The decision proved prescient. While his MMA career plateaued, his bare knuckle career skyrocketed.

BKFC Career: Building a Legacy

Lightweight Dominance (2019-2022)

Palomino entered BKFC as a lightweight (155 pounds), his natural weight class after years in MMA at similar weights.

Early Wins:

BKFC 5: Lobov vs. Knight (April 2019) Opponent: Tom Shoaff
Result: TKO, Round 1
Significance: Explosive BKFC debut

Palomino announced his arrival by destroying Shoaff in the opening round. The finish demonstrated what would become his trademark: relentless pressure leading to overwhelmed opponents.

BKFC 8: Silva vs. Gonzaga (October 2019) Opponent: Jason Knight
Result: TKO, Round 3
Significance: Beat former UFC fighter decisively

Knight brought UFC credibility and a reputation for toughness. Palomino broke him through sustained pressure and volume striking. The win established Palomino as legitimate lightweight contender.

BKFC 12: Starling vs. Palomino (November 2019) Opponent: Dat Nguyen
Result: Unanimous Decision
Significance: Title eliminator victory

Palomino survived five rounds against a durable opponent, demonstrating he could win decisions when knockouts proved elusive. This victory earned his first title shot.

Lightweight Championship Reign

BKFC 14: Ward vs. Palomino (February 2020) Opponent: Kaleb Harris
Result: TKO, Round 3
Significance: Won BKFC Lightweight Championship

Palomino captured his first bare knuckle title by overwhelming Harris through signature pressure. Harris entered as favorite but could not handle Palomino’s relentless forward march.

Title Defenses:

Defense 1: Jim Alers (BKFC 17, April 2021)
Result: TKO, Round 2
Analysis: Demolished dangerous contender

Alers brought knockout power and experience. Palomino walked through his best shots and stopped him in round two, establishing himself as the clear lightweight king.

Defense 2: Martin Brown (BKFC 20, August 2021)
Result: Unanimous Decision
Analysis: Grinded out tough decision

Brown provided Palomino’s stiffest test at lightweight, but the champion’s superior cardio and pressure earned clear decision victory.

Welterweight Move and Championship

After cleaning out lightweight division, Palomino moved to welterweight (165 pounds) seeking new challenges.

BKFC 30: Palomino vs. Almaraz (September 2022) Opponent: Elvin Brito
Result: TKO, Round 4
Significance: Won BKFC Welterweight Championship

The jump to welterweight suited Palomino. He did not need to drain his body cutting to 155 pounds, and his power translated perfectly to the heavier division. The stoppage of Brito captured his second BKFC championship.

Welterweight Defenses:

Defense 1: Bryan Duran (BKFC 38, February 2023)
Result: TKO, Round 3

Defense 2: Tyler Goodjohn (BKFC 46, August 2023)
Result: TKO, Round 2

Defense 3: David Mundell (BKFC 53, November 2023)
Result: Unanimous Decision

Three successful defenses established Palomino as welterweight king. The Mundell fight proved particularly significant as Mundell went on to become BKFC middleweight champion, validating Palomino’s competition level.

The Undefeated Record: 10-0

By February 2024, Palomino had:

• Won two BKFC championships (lightweight, welterweight)
• Defended both titles multiple times
• Stopped elite competition
• Never tasted defeat in bare knuckle

He was considered one of BKFC’s top three pound-for-pound fighters alongside Perry and Mundell. Then came Austin Trout.

The First Loss: BKFC 57 vs. Austin Trout

Fight Context

BKFC 57 (February 2024)
Palomino entered as welterweight champion defending against boxing world champion Austin Trout. On paper, the matchup favored Palomino:

• Home promotion (10-0 in BKFC vs Trout’s 1-0)
• Defending champion
• Proven finisher against top competition
• Larger fighter (naturally bigger at welterweight)

Betting odds reflected this: Palomino opened as slight favorite around -130 to -150.

What Went Wrong

Round-by-Round Collapse:

Rounds 1-2: Trout established his jab immediately. Every attempt by Palomino to close distance was met with stiff jabs snapping into his face. Palomino could not find range for his power shots.

Rounds 3-4: Palomino adjusted by pressuring more aggressively. He accepted eating jabs to get inside. But when he did close distance, Trout tied him up in the clinch or used footwork to escape. Palomino landed occasional power shots but nothing clean enough to hurt Trout.

Round 5: Palomino, realizing he was down on cards, pushed harder. Trout cruised, completely in control. The jab continued working. Palomino had no answers.

Final Scorecards:

• 50-45 (Trout)
• 50-45 (Trout)
• 49-46 (Trout)

Unanimous decision, not particularly close on any card.

Statistical Destruction:

Trout landed 99 of 155 punches (64% accuracy). Palomino’s exact numbers were not publicly released, but fight observers estimated roughly 40% accuracy at far lower volume. Trout completely outclassed him statistically and visually.

Technical Analysis: Why Palomino Lost

Distance Control:

Palomino’s pressure style requires getting inside opponent’s range to land power shots. Trout’s jab kept him at the end of punches for the entire fight. When Palomino did get inside, Trout either clinched or stepped away.

Ring Generalship:

Trout controlled ring geography throughout. BKFC’s circular ring theoretically helps pressure fighters by limiting escape routes, but Trout’s footwork was so superior that he maintained distance anyway.

Lack of Setup:

Palomino’s best punches come off of sustained pressure. He needs to throw volume, force exchanges, and land his power shots in the chaos. Trout never allowed chaos to develop. Every exchange was controlled, measured, and on Trout’s terms.

Adjustments Failed:

Palomino tried multiple adjustments (more aggression, feinting to close distance, targeting the body). Trout countered every adjustment. Fifteen years of elite boxing experience meant Trout had seen every trick Palomino could try.

Physical Disadvantage:

Fighting at welterweight (165 pounds) when Palomino’s natural weight is closer to 155 may have compromised his speed and cardio. Carrying extra muscle to compete at welterweight could have slowed his hand speed just enough to make Trout’s jab uncatchable.

Fighting Style Breakdown

Core Attributes

Pressure Fighter / Brawler Archetype:

• Constantly moves forward
• Applies relentless pressure
• High volume striking
• Willing to take shots to land shots
• Thrives in chaos and exchanges

Physical Tools:

• Excellent chin (never been stopped by strikes in bare knuckle)
• Good cardio (maintains pace all five rounds at lightweight)
• Natural power in both hands
• Strong frame (competed 155-165 pounds)

Mental Approach:

• Aggressive and fearless
• Breaks opponent’s will through sustained pressure
• Comfortable in phone booth exchanges
• Veteran composure (11 BKFC fights)

Strengths

1. Relentless Pressure

Palomino’s defining characteristic is his ability to walk forward and apply pressure for full fights. He does not take rounds off. He does not fight cautiously. From opening bell to final second, he is pressing forward throwing punches.

This pressure breaks most fighters mentally. Opponents realize they cannot stop his forward march and begin fighting defensively, which plays directly into Palomino’s hands.

2. Durability

In 11 BKFC fights, Palomino has never been knocked down or seriously hurt. His chin has absorbed shots from hard hitters like Jason Knight and David Mundell without compromising his ability to continue pressing forward.

This durability allows his pressure style to work. Fighters who cannot absorb return fire struggle to apply sustained pressure. Palomino walks through shots.

3. Volume Striking

Palomino throws high punch output throughout fights. While individual shots may not always land with precision, the sheer volume creates opportunities. He overwhelms opponents with activity.

In bare knuckle, this volume approach creates cuts and swelling even when punches are not perfect. Accumulated shots add up over rounds.

4. Championship Experience

Two-division champion with multiple title defenses. Palomino has fought in main events, five-round fights, and high-pressure situations. This experience prevents him from panicking when things get difficult.

5. Finishing Instinct

When Palomino hurts opponents, he closes the show. Seven of his ten wins came by stoppage (70% finish rate). He recognizes when opponents are compromised and capitalizes immediately.

Weaknesses

1. Technical Boxing Limitations

The Trout fight exposed Palomino’s technical ceiling. Against elite-level boxing skill, Palomino’s pressure could not overcome the fundamental disparity. His jab is pedestrian compared to Trout’s. His footwork is functional but not sophisticated. His defensive skills rely on chin and forward movement rather than actual defense.

2. Distance Control Issues

Palomino struggles against fighters who maintain distance effectively. If he cannot get inside to land power shots, his effectiveness drops dramatically. The Trout fight demonstrated this: when kept at jab range, Palomino had no path to victory.

3. Predictability

Palomino’s style is straightforward: walk forward, throw punches, pressure constantly. While this works against most fighters, elite opponents can prepare specific strategies to neutralize it. There is no deception, no surprise, no tactical variety. What you see is what you get.

4. Age and Mileage

At 37 years old (as of December 2025) with 27 MMA fights and 11 bare knuckle fights, Palomino has significant wear on his body. While his chin has held up so far, accumulated damage over 15+ years of combat sports will eventually compromise durability.

5. Weight Class Uncertainty

Palomino has competed successfully at both 155 and 165 pounds. However, the weight fluctuation suggests he is between natural weight classes. At lightweight, he may give up size. At welterweight, he may sacrifice speed and cardio. Finding optimal weight is ongoing challenge.

December 5, 2025: The Revenge Fight

Fight Setup

BKFC 85: Trout vs. Palomino 2
Date: December 5, 2025
Location: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL
Weight: Lightweight (155 pounds)
Current Odds: Palomino +177, Trout -217

What Changed Since February

Weight Class Advantage:

Both fighters moved to lightweight, but this is Palomino’s territory. He built his bare knuckle reputation at 155 pounds, winning and defending the lightweight championship multiple times. This is his most successful weight historically.

Palomino’s best performances (Jason Knight stoppage, Jim Alers demolition, Kaleb Harris title win) all occurred at lightweight. The speed, power, and cardio that made him dominant work best at this weight.

Revenge Motivation:

Palomino’s only bare knuckle loss came to Trout. That defeat ended his undefeated streak and cost him the welterweight championship. Nine months of obsessing over what went wrong should produce a fighter desperate to prove the first result was a fluke.

Revenge motivation can work both ways (overthinking leads to mistakes), but for a fighter as mentally tough as Palomino, the extra drive likely helps more than hurts.

Preparation Time:

Nine months allowed Palomino to specifically prepare for Trout’s jab-heavy style. His camp has had time to develop strategies, work on counters, and prepare adjustments that were not available during the first fight.

Potential adjustments:

• Better jab feinting to close distance
• Body work to slow Trout’s movement
• Higher pressure earlier in rounds
• Corner strategies for neutralizing jab

Palomino’s Path to Victory

Scenario 1: Early Knockout

If Palomino can land a big shot in rounds 1-2 before Trout establishes rhythm, he could produce an early knockout. Trout is 39 years old and the chin often goes quickly at that age. One perfect shot could end it.

Probability: 15-20%

Scenario 2: Body Attack Success

Sustained body punching could slow Trout’s footwork and jab. If Palomino makes Trout fight in a phone booth by attacking the body, his power advantage matters more than Trout’s technical superiority.

Probability: 15-20%

Scenario 3: Weight Class Makes Difference

If the move to lightweight genuinely weakened Trout while strengthening Palomino, the fight dynamics could shift enough for Palomino to implement his pressure effectively.

Probability: 10-15%

Combined Victory Probability: 40-50%

This aligns roughly with his +177 odds (36% implied probability), suggesting the market is pricing the fight reasonably efficiently.

Trout’s Path to Victory (Again)

Scenario 1: Rinse and Repeat

Trout implements the exact same game plan that worked in February. Establish jab, control distance, accumulate points, win clear decision.

Probability: 50-60%

This is the most likely outcome. Palomino has not shown ability to solve Trout’s style, and nine months of preparation does not erase 15 years of boxing experience disparity.

Betting Value Analysis

Palomino Moneyline +177:

The odds suggest Palomino has roughly 36% chance of winning. Based on the analysis above, his true probability is likely 40-50%. This creates positive expected value on backing Palomino straight.

Calculation: If Palomino’s true win probability is 45%, betting him at +177 provides edge:

• EV = (0.45 × $177) – (0.55 × $100)
• EV = $79.65 – $55
• EV = +$24.65 per $100 wagered

Palomino by KO/TKO:

Palomino’s 70% finish rate in bare knuckle suggests knockout is his most likely path to victory. If knockout props price at +300 or better, they provide value.

His finishes typically come in rounds 2-4 after sustained pressure accumulates damage. Early round knockout (rounds 1-2) is less likely than later rounds (3-5).

Palomino Decision:

Unlikely outcome. If Palomino goes five rounds with Trout, he is probably losing on cards (similar to first fight). The only decision scenario where Palomino wins involves judges rewarding aggression heavily despite Trout’s cleaner punching.

Avoid Palomino decision props unless priced at +500 or better.

Betting Strategies for Palomino Backers

When to Back Palomino

1. Underdog Value Seekers

+177 odds provide cushion if you believe the weight class change and revenge motivation create genuine advantages. The market may be overweighting Trout’s first win without properly accounting for context changes.

2. Knockout Prop Hunters

If Palomino wins, it is almost certainly by knockout. His style does not produce decision victories over technically superior opponents. Knockout props at +300+ provide better value than straight moneyline.

3. Parlay Building

Palomino’s plus odds make him attractive parlay component. Small wager on Palomino moneyline combined with other positive-odds plays creates large potential payouts.

4. Live Betting Preparation

If Palomino has early success, his live odds will shorten dramatically. Prepared bettors can capitalize on momentum shifts by betting Palomino live if he lands big shots or pressures Trout successfully early.

When to Fade Palomino

1. Decision Market

Palomino winning by decision is his least likely path to victory. If the fight goes five rounds, Trout’s superior boxing probably earned him the decision.

2. Straight Bet Risk/Reward

While +177 provides some value, backing the underdog still means losing the bet 55-60% of the time. Risk-averse bettors should avoid straight Palomino moneyline in favor of safer plays elsewhere.

3. Early Round Props

Palomino’s finishes typically come after sustained pressure (rounds 2-4), not early explosions. Round 1 knockout props on Palomino are poor value despite tempting odds.

Long-Term Outlook

Championship Path

If Palomino defeats Trout, he immediately re-enters lightweight title picture. His resume (former lightweight champion, multiple defenses) combined with revenge victory over elite opponent makes him number one contender.

Potential Timeline:

• December 2025: Defeat Trout
• Q2 2026: Lightweight title shot
• 2026-2027: Potential lightweight championship reign

Career Twilight

At 37, Palomino is fighting in his late-career phase. Pressure fighting styles age poorly because they depend on chin durability and cardio, both of which decline with age.

Realistic Timeline:

• 2025-2026: Competitive at high level
• 2027: Noticeable decline likely
• 2028: Should consider retirement

Palomino probably has 5-8 fights remaining before age makes him uncompetitive. The Trout rematch represents crucial moment in determining how those final fights unfold.

Legacy Considerations

Palomino’s legacy is already secure: two-division BKFC champion, 10 victories before first loss, dominant championship reigns. The Trout rematch determines whether he is remembered as:

Scenario 1 (Loses): Great bare knuckle champion who met his ceiling against elite boxing skill

Scenario 2 (Wins): Warrior who avenged his only loss and proved bare knuckle specialization can overcome boxing pedigree

Conclusion: The Pressure Fighter’s Last Stand

Luis Palomino represents everything pure about bare knuckle boxing. No Olympic medals. No world championship belts from boxing. Just a fighter who learned his craft in the squared circle and the Trigon, who built his reputation through sustained pressure and an iron will.

The Trout loss stings because it exposed limitations. Against truly elite boxing skill, Palomino’s pressure was neutralized. But the rematch at lightweight provides his best chance to prove that result was weight-class related rather than skill-based.

For Bettors:

Palomino at +177 provides value if you believe in weight class impact and revenge motivation. The odds suggest 36% win probability, but realistic assessment puts him closer to 40-50%. This creates positive expected value.

The key is selecting the right betting market. Palomino straight provides value. Palomino by knockout at +300+ provides even better value. Palomino by decision is terrible value.

On December 5, one of two stories plays out:

Story 1: Trout’s technical superiority prevails again, cementing that boxing fundamentals trump bare knuckle pressure when skill gap is wide enough.

Story 2: Palomino’s weight class advantage and revenge motivation overcome technical disparity, proving heart and preparation can beat pure skill.

Bet accordingly. The pressure fighter seeks redemption.