Former Bellator MMA featherweight Aaron Pico, one of the hottest prospects in years when he signed with the promotion then run by Scott Coker, is now a UFC fighter.
While numerous social media accounts claimed Pico had signed with the UFC and booked a fight with Movsar Evloev, those reports appear to have been premature. However, multiple sources have now confirmed that Pico is a UFC fighter, with a debut date and opponent to be determined.
Earlier this year, Pico, then a restricted free agent, had requested his outright release by the PFL, who acquired Bellator MMA and the featherweight along with it over a year ago.
After PFL Founder Donn Davis suggested the promotion might match anyone inking Aaron Pico to a deal, Pico responded by in an interview with MMA Fighting, saying “I will say this — I’m not fighting for the PFL. If I have to wait out a year to be free and clear, then I’ll do it.”
Pico is one of a number of Bellator fighters to express their discontent with the PFL’s ownership, including Cris Cyborg, Patchy Mix, Patricio Pibtull, and Corey Anderson. Pitbull is now part of the UFC roster, debuting at UFC 314 this Saturday.
As for Pico, the freestyle wrestler and Junior Golden Gloves champ spent his entire career with Bellator (with his final bout coming at the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions crossover event), posting a 17-4 record. He was widely viewed as a future champion in the company, but never had the opportunity to fight for the title, as after the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, the company was unable to get a title fight made.
Now 28, Pico will look to prove the pundits correct on an even bigger stage.
