Aaron Pico confirmed that he was certainly in talks to combat high featherweight contender Movsar Evloev in his UFC debut.
The previous Bellator featherweight acquired his want of signing with the UFC after spending months campaigning for a full launch from the PFL. Previous to his UFC signing changing into public, Pico was linked to a matchup with Evloev within the UFC Combat Night time 256 headliner Might 17 at The UFC Apex (ESPN+), which Evloev additionally hinted at.
Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) addressed these rumors.
“Yeah, it was actual,” Pico instructed MMA Junkie. “I imply, I acquired a cellphone name from Ali (Abdelaziz) saying, ‘Hello, are you able to combat on Might 17?’ And I mentioned, ‘After all.’ After which I simply mentioned, ‘Who am I preventing in opposition to?’ He mentioned, ‘Movsar.’ And I mentioned, ‘After all. That’s an ideal combat for me. I don’t assume he is aware of how good my wrestling is.’ And he mentioned, ‘OK, Movsar agreed, too.’ So, I don’t know. It was fairly shut.”
Pico understands why Evloev backed out
The combat with Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) didn’t find yourself materializing however Pico understands why.
“I used to be slightly bit shocked, however finally it’s not taking place,” Pico mentioned. “However it was a great signal that they have been entertaining the concept of (me) preventing a man so extremely ranked. For him, it was type of exhausting as a result of he’s No. 4, and I’m simply coming in.
“I can perceive why he in all probability acquired suggested to not finally take it, however he did say sure. I’m certain he acquired in together with his group, they usually mentioned, ‘What are you doing? Simply wait.’ So, nothing however respect.”
Pico shifts consideration to 2 top-10 UFC featherweights
As a substitute, Pico has shifted his focus to 2 different featherweight contenders he hopes to attract in his octagon debut.
“I’m it like this: I used to be imagined to combat Movsar. Who’s he imagined to combat and who has he fought final?” Pico mentioned. “He fought Aljamain (Sterling) final. Let’s combat Aljamain. I imagine he was imagined to combat Brian Ortega, don’t quote me on that, (however) if Brian Ortgea’s able to go, then let’s combat. That’s the way you earn cash.”
Ortega is No. 6 within the official UFC rankings, whereas former bantamweight champ Sterling is No. 9 at 145 kilos.
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