MCALLEN – Ricardo “El Gallero” Palacios is gearing up for his next fight against Chris Avila July 27th in Miami. Before becoming a professional mixed martial artist, Avila overcame obstacles outside the octagon.

“I was obese, that’s one. And then two, I guess I was a little bit of a trouble maker,” said Avila.

At his heaviest, the Valley native weighed 200 lbs. He focused on his MMA career and eventually turned pro, where he now fights between 135 and 145 lbs.

“Once the cage closes, it’s a natural instinct to go do what you have to do,” said Avila.

Palacios compete in the Combate Americas promotion. Some of his past fights have been televised nationally.

"I'm an adrenaline junkie, “said Avila. “It's not an easy career. Not a lot of people make it. Not a lot of people continue with it."

Palacios says his goal is to become a champion one day. He also wants to help kids train in MMA to overcome confidence and weight issues.