Aaron Pico has officially joined the UFC and is already focused on reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Earlier this month, Pico signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC after his Bellator contract ended. He had spent his entire professional career with Bellator, competing in 17 fights. In a recent interview on the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Pico mentioned that he almost joined the UFC much earlier.
Pico revealed that the UFC made him an offer previously when he was transitioning from wrestling to MMA. However, he wasn`t aware of it at the time and ended up signing with Bellator. He expressed gratitude to Scott Coker and the Bellator team for his development there, acknowledging it as a learning ground. He noted that it took him eight years to finally arrive in the UFC.
“Now I am here, and the real work begins. I`m not here just to participate in the UFC. I want to win the championship belt, and I am determined to achieve that,” Pico stated.
Considered a top prospect in MMA, Pico had a strong background in freestyle wrestling and boxing before transitioning to MMA in 2017. During his eight years in Bellator, he achieved a 13-4 record, becoming recognized as a leading featherweight fighter. Throughout this time, he always had aspirations for the UFC, and now that he has joined, his ultimate goal is to win the championship.
“I am extremely competitive, and I believe I can compete with the best. I want to prove that there’s another level of fighting. I am seeking the opportunity to show that,” Pico said. “Our goal is the UFC belt. I want to make my mark in history.”
Regarding Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, Pico acknowledged his legendary status in Bellator, citing his numerous title defenses. However, Pico questioned the significance of Bellator achievements without a UFC title.
Despite rumors of a potential debut fight against Movsar Evloev, it didn`t materialize. Pico is currently awaiting his first UFC opponent. He aims to make a significant impact in his debut to quickly move towards a title fight, possibly in his second UFC appearance.
“I set a goal about eight or nine months ago to become UFC champion by 2026,” Pico shared. “I truly believe I can achieve this. If they provide me with the fights, I am confident in doing my part.”
Pico mentioned wanting to face high-profile fighters like Brian Ortega or Aljamain Sterling, aiming to quickly progress to a title shot, especially with a dominant victory.
