Newly-signed UFC featherweight Aaron Pico bounced back from his disastrous MMA debut emphatically at Bellator 183.
Aaron Pico received a quick jump to kick off his MMA career as he signed with the consensus No. 2 promotion, Bellator, after a successful freestyle wrestling career. Pico was considered a once-in-a-generation prospect at the time of his professional debut at Bellator 180.
But Pico’s MMA career didn’t get off to an ideal start. Pico lost to Zach Freeman in 24 seconds in a massive upset in the lightweight division, as Freeman submitted him with a guillotine choke.
Many prospects would fall apart after such a disastrous MMA debut, but Pico showed incredible resolve in his second Bellator chance.
Aaron Pico’s first MMA win finished in a wild first-round knockout
In his second professional fight, Pico faced Justin Linn as he moved down to the 145 lb weight class following his debut loss. The card was headlined by UFC legends Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen in one of the most infamous rivalries in Bellator history.
Pico got into some early trouble within the first 15 seconds in the fight, after Linn landed a clean right hand that snapped Pico’s head back in the center of the cage. But Pico landed a massive takedown on Linn and controlled his opponent’s back before landing several nasty ground strikes.
After a minute of ground control, Pico allowed Linn to return to his feet, and didn’t let off the pressure. He and Linn got into a wild slugfest against the fence, with both featherweights landing heavy blows.
Pico then changed levels for the second time in as many minutes, before allowing the fight to return to the feet. As Pico and Linn found their timing, Pico landed a massive left hook flush to Linn’s chin that sent his opponent flying.
Pico’s knockout kicked off a four-fight winning streak in the Bellator featherweight division, featuring wins over Leandro Higo and Lee Morrison. He also knocked out Shane Kruchten with a debilitating body shot just months after the Linn fight.
Pico would then suffer back-to-back losses to Henry Corrales and Adam Borics, dampening the initial hype of his MMA ascent. But true to resolve, Pico won 9 of his next 10 fights before signing with the UFC in free agency.
Pico’s well-rounded skillset, combined with his one-punch knockout power, will make him a puzzle for his UFC debut opponent at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Aaron Pico could earn UFC title shot with win in debut over top contender
Pico and Movsar Evloev will clash in a five-round featherweight co-main event next month at UFC Abu Dhabi. Evloev has waited months for a shot at the featherweight title, and according to UFC CEO Dana White, he’ll get it with a victory over Pico.
But Pico has the chance to spoil the UFC’s plans in his promotional debut. As UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski waits for the first title defense of his second reign, Pico could skip the line with a big performance against Evloev.
Pico will look to end the skid of former Bellator stars competing in the UFC Octagon, after recent losses by Patricio ‘Pitbull’ and Patchy Mix.
