THE BACKBREAKERS AND BITES PODCAST – EPISODE 27
Luis “Baboon” Palomino
In this Episode Of The Podcast:
“Motivation is a scam. Motivation is temporary… Discipline is everything. Discipline is what’s gotten me to this point and what continues to carry me.”
In this powerful episode of Backbreakers and Bites, we sit down with the “Champ of Champs,” Luis “Baboon” Palomino. Over a Japanese-Peruvian fusion feast at Ceviches By Divino, Palomino reveals the cinematic reality of his life-from crossing the border under a false identity at age 10 to becoming the only BKFC fighter to successfully defend a world title six times. We explore the psychological shift from being a “fighter” to an “athlete,” the spiritual balance required to stay at the top, and the truth behind his move to BOXR Gym.
Contents
Show Notes and Highlights
About the Restaurant
Episode Extras
Featured Links
Show Notes and Highlights
Key Topics Key Topics and Discussions
The 31-Year Journey: Luis details the grueling reality of living as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. for over three decades. He shares the story of his father’s sacrifice and how his status mentally blocked him from pursuing the UFC despite beating some of the biggest names in MMA.
The Wrestling Base & Gaethje: A deep dive into the “wrestler mentality.” Luis reflects on his wars with Justin Gaethje, describing Gaethje’s eerie ability to “ignore danger” and why wrestling remains the toughest and most essential base for any young fighter.
Fighter vs. Athlete: Palomino explains the moment he realized he was stagnant. He discusses leaving his original gym to become the “small fish in a big pond” again at BOXR Gym, and how he utilizes 20-hour fasts and specific recovery protocols to outperform fighters 15 years younger than him.
Bare Knuckle Politics: Luis addresses the “King of the Streets” title, his thoughts on a rematch with Austin Trout, and the internal shifts that led to his departure from his previous training camp.
Featured Segment: The Spiritual Balance
The Triple Threat: Luis breaks down his “Five-Year Winning Streak” as a triad of physical, mental, and spiritual stability. He opens up about how a spiritual imbalance contributed to his loss against Trout and why having a centered faith and a supportive partner is the secret weapon that allows him to continue competing at an elite level.
About Ceviches By Divino
Located on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, Ceviches By Divino offers a sophisticated “Nikkei” experience where traditional Peruvian flavors meet Japanese technique. We sampled the Potato Puree Pockets with Tuna Ceviche and the Octopus Croquettes, showcasing a fusion style that reflects Luis’s own Peruvian heritage reimagined for the Miami culinary scene.