(Editor’s observe: This story was up to date with Pico’s assertion at 7:20 p.m. ET)
Aaron Pico has signed with the UFC.
The previous Bellator standout Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has spent latest months campaigning for a full launch from the PFL so he might make his technique to the octagon. He’s now struck a deal, his supervisor Ali Abdelaziz, of Dominance MMA, confirmed Tuesday with MMA Junkie after an preliminary report by ESPN.
“After years of arduous work, dedication, and unwavering perception, I’ve formally signed with the @UFC!” Pico wrote on Instagram. “That is greater than only a dream come true; it’s the start of a brand new chapter. Thanks to my household, my supervisor @aliabdelaziz, coaches, coaching companions, and everybody who has supported me on this journey. Your perception in me has fueled my fireplace. The last word aim? To develop into the UFC champion. I’m able to work tougher than ever earlier than to make {that a} actuality.”
Pico, 28, has lengthy been an fight sports activities prodigy. Earlier than he even stepped into an MMA cage, Pico had a embellished resume of accomplishments. Accompanying a number of nationwide and worldwide wrestling competitors, Pico was a golden gloves boxing and PAL champion.
His highly-anticipated MMA debut in June 2017 was a 24-second submission loss to Zach Freeman. Regardless of the early stumble within the vivid lights, Pico rebounded with 4 consecutive brutal knockouts earlier than he was completed in a wild affair by Henry Corrales. A loss to Adam Borics set him again additional.
After the Borics loss, nevertheless, Pico turned a nook. He gained 9 fights out of 10, with the lone loss a shoulder damage suffered in opposition to Jeremy Kennedy.
Pico enters the UFC on a three-fight successful streak consisting of victories over James Gonzalez, Pedro Carvalho, and Corrales. He’ll look to shake up the 145-pound title image in his first octagon look. It’s unknown when his debut shall be. The American hasn’t competed for the reason that first-round TKO of Corrales in February 2024, and has simply two skilled bouts prior to now two years.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Evening 256.
Remember to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of combined martial arts.
