This past Saturday night in Las Vegas, at the World Series of Fighting’s 12th event, Luis Palomino took out undefeated Lewis Gonzalez with a resounding KO late in round one. For Palomino, it likely earns him a shot at Justin Gaethje, the WSOF’s title holder. Gonzalez was slightly favored going into the fight at (-160) with the return on Palomino at (+120).
This match result likely throws a small monkey wrench into he plans of the WSOF, who certainly would have liked GOonzalez to win in order to match the two young undefeated prospects in him and Gaethje. But this is why fights are decided in the ring or cage, and not on paper.
Palomino is 33 and he has a lot of fights, so to underestimate him or judge him a journeyman type because of his 23-9 record is to sell him short. He has never been in the UFC, which adds to the feeling that he isn’t a top fighter. Palomino’ resume shows a high level of competition throughout his career, so being the underdog and fighting the organization’s top guys are both things he has done before.
He looked like a man against a boy out there against Gonzalez. Gonzalez has worked his way up against improving competition, but his perfect record is a result of care and nurturing, he was not thrown to the fire like Palomino was. Gonzalez’ best opponent is Antonio McKee, who owns a fine 28-6 record in MMA, but Mckee is 44 years old and is known more a suffocating grappler than for the type of violent output we got from Palomino.
Palomino went to work early, cutting Gonzalez and stuffing his takedown attempts. Gonzalez was getting hurt when he tried to come in on Palomino. Palomino surged forward, rattled Gonzalez with some punches and then put him away with a high kick that crumpled Gonzalez.
Up next for Palomino will likely get a shot at Justin Gaethje’s Lightweight title. Remeber this fight, because on paper that one will look the same – Palomino will probably open and underdog to the precocious Gaethje, who some are ranking in the top 10 of the weight class. Palomino has proven before he can upset the apple cart if you give him a chance.
