Ahead of Bellator 214, Aaron Pico has no problem with featherweight champ Patricio Pitbull calling him out — but would prefer to be tagged in it.
Los Angeles, CA — Featherweight prospect Aaron Pico is back in the spotlight at Bellator 214. In a fight promoted to co-main event when Gegard Mousasi was forced off the card due to injury, Pico (4-1) will take on Henry Corrales (16-3). It’s yet another fight against a much more experienced fighter for Pico.
It’s also yet another big card for the standout wrestler and skilled boxer. But as he pointed out, “I started my career fighting on big cards, so it’s nothing new to me.”
With each and every fight, Pico has drawn more and more interest. He has plans on becoming the youngest champion in a major MMA promotion, and still just 22 years old, he could very well do it.
Of course, friend and teammate A.J. McKee may be ahead of him for the opportunity to take on the current champ at 145lb, Patricio Pitbull. McKee is undefeated at 13-0. And Pitbull has not shied away from commenting on both fighters, at times, on social media. Needless to say, he rarely has something positive to add to the conversation.
It doesn’t bother Aaron Pico, however. “I think it’s good. He knows that we’re coming. It’s good, it should spark a fire in him.”
Both fighters train under McKee’s father at Team Bodyshop, one of the fastest rising gyms in the sport. “If we can keep doing what we do, it ups his game. I hope it ups his game. It’s just going to make for a better fight,” he continued.
In fact, his only issue with Pitbull talking is when the champ fails to tag him. He’d rather know Pitbull is serious. “Tag me next time. Just tag me next time.”
Should McKee get the first crack at the Brazilian title holder, Pico was non-committal on what approach he’d take. “All I’m going to say is I have options. I have a lot of options, but we’ll have to see how everything plays out.”
“If A.J. fights for the title, I’ll be in his corner,” he did note. “And then we’ll just see. All I’ve got to do is focus on myself, and getting better, and helping the people around me. I have options, that’s the main thing.”
When it comes to Bellator 214 and Corrales, while Pico doesn’t like to look too far ahead, “as long as I stay focused and use my skills, my last four fights have been by knockout, so I don’t see why not.”
Bellator 214 takes place this Saturday, January 26 at The Forum in Los Angeles. The event airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN.
