Ricky Palacios Record: 11-2-0

Combate Americas run

Palacios became a cornerstone of Combate Americas, the Hispanic-focused promotion, and put together the best stretch of his career there. In May 2016 he edged future UFC flyweight contender Brandon Royval by decision at Combate 7, a gritty win over a future top-15 UFC fighter that remains a standout result. He followed it with decision victories over the experienced Roman Salazar at Combate 13 and over Chris Avila at Combate 16, cementing himself as one of the promotion's most reliable names.

Contender Series and a signature knockout

Palacios earned a spot on Dana White's Contender Series in July 2018, where he outpointed Toby Misech by decision. He saved one of his most memorable performances for later that year, blitzing the well-traveled Walel Watson with punches and a head kick in the first round at Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 – a highlight-reel finish that showcased the explosive striking behind his "El Gallero" persona. The latter stages of his career saw him test himself in different formats, including bare-knuckle boxing, but the Combate run remains the heart of his legacy.

Fighting style

Palacios is a striker first, with six of his 11 wins coming by knockout for a 55 percent finish rate, and a clear preference for ending fights with his hands and feet. His head kick is a real weapon, as the finishes of Benji Gomez and Walel Watson demonstrated, and his pressure-heavy approach has carried him to a strong winning percentage. His vulnerability has shown up on the mat: both of his MMA losses came by submission – a kimura and an arm-triangle choke – a sign that elite grapplers have been his toughest stylistic matchup. At his best, though, Palacios is an exciting, finish-hungry bantamweight who fights with the all-action style his nickname promises.

Career highlights

• Win over a future UFC contender — defeated Brandon Royval by decision at Combate 7 before Royval became a UFC flyweight title challenger.
• Contender Series winner — outpointed Toby Misech on Dana White's Contender Series in 2018.
• Highlight-reel finisher — stopped Walel Watson with first-round punches and a head kick, one of six knockout wins.