Aaron Pico has just been signed by the UFC. Photo: Bellator
A long-standing request from MMA fans, Aaron Pico was finally signed by the UFC this Tuesday (9). The 28-year-old fighter, who almost represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, is one of the promises of the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg).
Pico guaranteed your release from the PFL to fulfill his dream of joining the roster of Dana White's organization. The American is eager to make his debut in the most famous octagon in the world.
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“At the end of the day, [coach] Ali [Abdelaziz] did a great job and we had a good conversation with [PFL president] Don Davis. Everything went well and we wish them all the best. Now that we’re here, it’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s been fun in a way. A little scary, but that’s what makes it fun,” Pico said in an interview with the portal 'MMA Junkie'.
Before being announced as a new UFC fighter, Aaron Pico had his name mentioned when rumors suggested that he would face the undefeated Movsar Evloev, 4th in the rankings and who is also hoping for a shot at the featherweight title. The alleged rumor was quickly disproved by the Russian fighter's team, who stated that they are awaiting a definition of the confrontation between Alexander Volkanovsky e Diego lopes No. UFC 314, next Saturday (12).
However, where there's smoke, there's fire. Pico admitted that he did have chances to face Movsar Evloev and conquer a prominent place in the UFC division.
“Yeah, it was real. I got a call from Ali saying, ‘Hey, can you fight on April 17th?’ And I was like, ‘Sure! Who am I going to fight?’ And he said, ‘Movsar.’ And I was like, ‘Sure. That’s a great fight for me. I don’t think he knows how good my wrestling is.’ And he said Movsar said yes, too. So, I don’t know, it was pretty close. I was a little surprised, but ultimately, it’s not going to happen. But it was a good sign that they were considering me fighting a guy that was so highly ranked. It was kind of tough for him because he’s No. 4 [in the rankings]. I’m just starting out. I can see why he probably got advice not to take it. He did, but I’m sure he got on his team and they were like, ‘What are you guys doing? Just wait!’ So, I just respect it,” Pico revealed.
Pico confirmed rumor of possible fight against Movsar Evloev (photo). Photo: UFC.com
The UFC's new recruit still doesn't have an opponent or a debut date, but he makes it clear that he's ready. And on his honeymoon with his new company, excitement is sky high.
“I think the people in the top 10 are going to say, ‘Well, he needs to move up in the ranks.’ At the end of the day, I don’t care who I fight. It could be a top 10 guy. It could be an unranked guy. It doesn’t matter. As long as I’m in the UFC, no matter what I have to do, I want to fight everybody. I mean, that’s what I do for a living. I’m basically the rookie in the position. If they want me to fight at the Apex, I’ll fight at the Apex. If they want me to fight in front of sold-out houses, as long as it has those three letters, UFC, that’s fine,” he concluded.
Pico's last fight was in February 2024, when he defeated Henry Corales via first-round knockout for the PFL.
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