Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (11-2) is one of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the world, working with a winning combination of fighting style, charisma and, above all, talent.  It was, therefore, a surprise last Friday when “El Gallero” announced his retirement, after his loss to Cooper Gibson (10-2) in the “TS-1 Promotions presents: Combate Americas Hidalgo” main event.

Palacios, who fights out of Mission, Texas, lost to Gibson via first-round submission, ending his eight-fight winning streak. It was his second loss in over seven years.

https://www.facebook.com/CombateAmericas/videos/489724981600199/

Palacios, who until last Friday had never lost a fight inside “La Jaula,” retired from the sport that had realized his childhood dreams of being on television and traveling around the world.

“I dreamed of being on TV since I was a little kid”, Palacios said after the fight. “I did it when I was 26 years old with Combate Americas, fighting in national and international TV, fighting for all my fans on TV, fighting everywhere in the world”.

https://www.facebook.com/CombateAmericas/videos/257299618473577/

“El Gallero“ joined the company in June 2015, a year after he competed in the Combate Americas’ “reality show”. He debuted in a spectacular fashion, getting one of the best knockouts in his career over Benji Gomez. From then on, he had stellar fight after stellar fight, with clashes against Roman Salazar and Chris Avila standing out in an impressive career.

Palacios was with the company from its very first day, allowing him to cultivate a loyal ban base.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byk70OlA1BU/

“All my fans, all the fighters, Campbell McLaren, Mike Afromowitz, Ben Murray, everybody, thank you for giving me the opportunity of being in Combate Américas since Stage 1, being one of the pioneers, being one of the OG’s”, said Palacios. “You guys made it happen for me. You guys made me live the life I never thought I would [have].”

Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios retires at age 31,  after six years of competing in Combate Americas’ circular cage; seven fights with six victories and only one defeat,.  The rising talent of Combate Americas has some pretty big shoes to fill.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By__hfWAjFm/

“I appreciate all the love and support you guys have given me, thank you, guys. It’s the end of ‘El Gallero.’ It is what it is, see you.”