Luis Palomino is not entirely happy with the opportunities he’s been getting as of late in BKFC, but believes things are turning in the right direction.
The BKFC lightweight champion returns to the ring this Friday, as he’s set to headline BKFC 57, which goes down at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
Palomino has been angling for fights against the marquee names of BKFC such as Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez and Chad Mendes. Although he didn’t get any of those for his return, he did draw former WBA champion Austin Trout, who he finds as a good introduction for the bigger names.
“This is definitely a high-profile name,” Palomino told MMA Junkie Radio. “I like this name. I was supposed to fight him a while back, but it didn’t happen, and now we brought the fight back. This is a two-time former WBA champion. He brings all the eyes of the boxing community. (Mike) Perry and Eddie Alvarez they bring the eyes of the MMA community. Both communities are huge. Boxing is older than MMA. Over here, in Florida, the boxing community is huge. They all have all these old-school Cuban boxers and whatnot, and everybody is tuned in. This event is sold out.
“Everyone’s eyes are on this fight because this is a very high-profile boxer, very accomplished. He fought the likes of Canelo Alvarez – gave him a run for his money, the Charlo brothers. He even knocked out Miguel Cotto. The guy has done his job in glove boxing, so this is a high-profile fight that I have been asking. It might not be the one I’ve been asking for, but it’s definitely a good start.”
Palomino previously told MMA Junkie that he’s willing to retire after Saturday if he doesn’t get the bigger names he was asking for.
“You’re bringing them in with the eyes behind them, but I think we’ve done that enough to build on your champions that were built in your house, and that’s me, that’s the Juggernaut, that Christine Ferea,” Palomino said. “I have six world title defenses. I’m the only undefeated, two-division undefeated champion. I’m out here raising my hand asking to fight all these high-profile names and willing to go three weight classes above. … I’m like, ‘Hey, man. Throw me a bone. I’m not just asking, I’ve earned it. I’m 9-0, undefeated, two-division champion. I’ve earned it and that’s what I’m fighting for.”
