Aaron Pico, a fighter who for years was considered a so-called ‘blue chip’ prospect in MMA, is officially a member of the organisation’s featherweight division.
UFC boss Dana White revealed in recent weeks that his matchmakers were seeking a deal with the 28-year-old former Bellator fighter and following his release from the PFL — which had gained his promotional rights following its purchase of Bellator — Pico has signed on the dotted line for the Las Vegas-based fight league.
“After years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief, I’ve officially signed with the UFC!” Pico wrote in a message posted to social media. “This is more than just a dream come true; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Thank you to my family, my manager Ali Abdelaziz, coaches, training partners, and everyone who has supported me on this journey. Your belief in me has fueled my fire.
“The ultimate goal? To become the UFC champion. I’m ready to work harder than ever before to make that a reality.”
A wrestler who placed second in the 2016 US Olympic trials and who holds an array of national and international titles, Pico has also a storied history in boxing, having first laced up his gloves at the age of 10.
Pico made his Bellator debut as a teenager and requested that he be matched with fighters who held a notable experience advantage over him, resulting in a 4-3 start to his career. Since then, he is 9-1 in the cage — with his only loss being an injury TKO.
He enters the UFC on the back of two straight knockout wins over Pedro Carvalho and, as part of the PFL vs. Bellator card more than a year ago, against Henry Corrales.
