Aaron Pico. The name has echoed through the mixed martial arts world for years, carrying with it the weight of immense expectation and the shimmer of undeniable potential. Born on September 23, 1996, in Whittier, California, the 28-year-old Pico has transitioned from a decorated wrestling career to become a compelling force in the featherweight division. Now, in 2025, after a significant stint with Bellator MMA, Pico has signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), ready to prove that the hype surrounding him since his teens was not misplaced.
A Prodigious Combat Sports Background
By four, while he initially harbored dreams of bull riding, his parents steered him towards wrestling – a decision that would shape his athletic destiny. His dedication and natural talent quickly became apparent.
Wrestling Dominance: Pico’s amateur wrestling career was nothing short of spectacular. He achieved numerous accolades, including a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championship in high school. His wrestling prowess culminated in a second-place finish at the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials at 65 kilograms, narrowly missing a spot at the Rio Olympics. This elite wrestling background provides him with a formidable base in MMA, offering exceptional takedown skills and control on the ground.
He also excelled in boxing, winning multiple national titles, including the National PAL Championship in 2008 and the National Junior Golden Gloves Championship in 2009, where he was also recognized as the most outstanding boxer. Additionally, he was a national champion in Pankration in 2008. This diverse striking background has translated into powerful and effective hands in his MMA career.
The Bellator Years: High Hopes and Hard Lessons
In 2014, at just 18 years old, Aaron Pico signed a long-term contract with Bellator MMA. He was touted as a “blue-chip” prospect, drawing comparisons to LeBron James in basketball due to the immense expectations placed upon him. This early professional commitment meant he forewent the opportunity to compete in collegiate wrestling under NCAA rules, fully focusing on his MMA aspirations.
His professional debut in June 2017 against Zach Freeman was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, as he suffered a quick submission loss. This early setback, however, did not deter Pico. He showcased his immense potential with a string of impressive victories, demonstrating knockout power and grappling skills.
A Rollercoaster Ride: Pico’s Bellator career was marked by periods of dominant wins and tough losses. He built a record of 13 wins and 4 losses during his time with the promotion. His victories often came by way of devastating knockouts, utilizing the heavy hands developed during his boxing years. He also displayed a developing submission game and improved decision-making in later fights.
However, he also faced adversity, suffering knockout losses against experienced opponents like Henry Corrales and Adam Borics. These losses served as crucial learning experiences, highlighting areas for improvement in his striking defense and overall fight IQ.
Key Bellator Moments: Despite the setbacks, Pico had several standout moments in Bellator. He avenged his loss to Henry Corrales in February 2024 with a dominant first-round TKO victory at a PFL vs. Bellator event. Other notable wins include victories over Pedro Carvalho and James Gonzalez, showcasing his evolution as a well-rounded mixed martial artist.
The Move to the UFC: A New Chapter Begins
In early 2025, after his contract with the Professional Fighters League (which had acquired Bellator) expired, Aaron Pico signed with the UFC. This move was highly anticipated by fans and analysts who were eager to see how his skills would translate against the top competition in the premier MMA organization.
The UFC matchmakers were reportedly looking to make an immediate impact with Pico’s debut, with a potential matchup against highly-ranked featherweight contender Movsar Evloev being discussed. While this initial bout fell through, it signaled the UFC’s intention to test Pico against high-caliber opponents.
Featherweight Focus: While some of his earlier fights in Bellator were at lightweight, Pico is expected to compete in the featherweight division (145 lbs) in the UFC. This division is stacked with talent, offering Pico a significant challenge and an opportunity to prove his mettle against some of the best fighters in the world.
Aims for the Top: Pico has made it clear that his goal in the UFC is to become a champion. He has stated his belief that he can reach the top of the featherweight division by 2026, showcasing his confidence and ambition.
Final Thoughts
Aaron Pico’s journey in combat sports has been a fascinating one to follow. From his dominant wrestling pedigree to his explosive power in MMA, he has always possessed the raw tools to become a star. His time in Bellator provided valuable experience and lessons learned.
The featherweight division in the UFC is a shark tank, filled with elite fighters. However, Pico’s unique blend of world-class wrestling and heavy hands makes him a dangerous addition to the roster. His debut will be closely watched, and his progress through the division will be a compelling storyline for years to come. Whether he can fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him and reach his goal of becoming a UFC champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aaron The “LeBron James of MMA” is finally in the big leagues, and it’s time to see if he can reign supreme.
FAQs
Who is Aaron Pico?
Aaron Pico is a professional mixed martial artist with a decorated background in wrestling and boxing. He is known for his elite wrestling skills and powerful striking.
What is Aaron Pico’s background in combat sports?
Pico has an extensive and successful background in wrestling, where he was a multiple-time national and international champion and an Olympic Trials runner-up. He also has a strong foundation in boxing, winning national titles at the junior level.
What were some key moments in Aaron Pico’s Bellator career?
Notable moments include his knockout victory over Henry Corrales in their rematch, wins against Pedro Carvalho and James Gonzalez, and his overall development as a well-rounded fighter.
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