Aaron Pico on PFL Debut: ‘I’m In Training Camp Right Now’

“I’m ready to take on anybody”

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Aaron Pico: “I’m ready to take on anybody”

Courtesy Bellator

There are a plethora of reasons to be excited about MMA in the new year, and high on that list is Aaron Pico’s debut fight for the PFL.

A homegrown Bellator star, Pico made his debut for the promotion in 2017 and has yet to compete anywhere else. Yet that will change imminently, as Pico is preparing to make his promotional debut for the PFL.

“I’m in training camp right now,” said Pico. “I can’t say a whole lot, but I’m preparing to fight soon.”

Speaking on the phone as he watched his two horses, Corleone and Canelo, back on his ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Pico reflected on his six-year run in Bellator.

“I’m really happy with my time in Bellator,” said Pico (12-4). “I was with them for so long. The staff behind-the-scenes were great, and [former Bellator CEO] Scott Coker gave me an opportunity at such a young age. They stuck by me through ups and downs. I had some tough losses early in my career, but for an organization like that and a man like Scott Coker to say we’re going to stand behind you and we believe that you’re going to do great things, I’ll always be very thankful for that.”

Only 27, Pico has won eight of his last nine fights–with the lone blemish a referee stoppage after the first round of a 2022 bout against Jeremy Kennedy following Pico dislocating his shoulder on his very first punch. He would be a featherweight title contender in any promotion in the world, and had Bellator remained its own entity instead of merging with PFL, it was only a matter of time before Pico fought for the title.

“My goal was to be Bellator champion,” said Pico. “If I win the title in PFL, I want Scott Coker to wrap the title around my waist. I’m sure there are great bosses in the PFL, and I’m excited to meet them, but Scott was great to me–and he was there for me during the injuries and the losses.”

Courtesy Bellator

Pico is also excited for the new opportunities that will come as part of the PFL roster.

“One thing I always say is, ‘Stay in the process,’” said Pico. “I’m not going to get too high and I’m not going to get too low. I’ve got a job to fight people. If it’s in another organization, then that’s what it’s going to be. There are a lot of great fighters in PFL, and my expectations are high.

“I’m at a point in my career where I believe, whoever I fight, I’ll win. I know it’s a challenge and it’s scary, and I have all the emotions, but that’s all part of fighting. I fought some tough guys in Bellator, and I’m ready to take on anybody. I’m staying humble. That keeps me hungry. My mindset is to keep my head down and grind. When they bring the contract for my next fight, the answer will be yes.”

With only two fights left on his contract, Pico is eager to make an immediate impact in PFL. Though he considered competing for Mexico’s Olympic wrestling team later this year, his priority is a focus on his next fight.

“I’ve just got to do my job and win fights,” said Pico. “Be exciting, win fights, and everything else will take care of itself.

“The fans will see me soon. I can’t wait.”