Former Bellator MMA Featherweight contender, Aaron Pico, is now an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter.
MMAmania.com has confirmed with multiple sources that UFC has signed Pico to a multi-fight deal and his Octagon debut is currently being planned.
ESPN was the first to break the news today on social media.
Aaron Pico has officially signed a contract with the UFC, per his manager @AliAbdelaziz00. Huge addition to 145!
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 8, 2025
Photo by Matt Davies/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Pico (13-4) has been a highly-touted prospect throughout his combat sports career, which he spent entirely with Bellator. He stumbled in his professional debut, suffering a submission loss in just 24 seconds; however, Pico quickly recovered with an impressive run of five consecutive first round knockouts.
The former Olympic wrestling hopeful later endured his first series of back-to-back losses, getting finished by Henry Corrales (watch it) and Adam Borics (see it here). Undeterred, Pico bounced back with another streak of six finishes.
In a No. 1 contender bout against Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator 286, Pico suffered a severe shoulder injury, leading to a doctor stoppage. Since recovering, the 28-year-old has rattled off three straight wins, including a first round stoppage of Corrales in his most recent fight, avenging an earlier defeat (watch highlights).
Pico’s UFC debut matchup will hinge on the terms of his new contract — a lucrative deal could land him a Top 15 opponent. If not, the promotion could book a fun matchup with an all-action veteran such as Edson Barboza so that he can shine.
For what it’s worth, reports surfaced of Pico facing No. 4-ranked Featherweight, Movsar Evloev, next month; however, MMAmania.com has confirmed that fight is not taking place.
What say you, Maniacs? Who should Pico fight in his highly anticipated UFC debut?
Poll
Who should Aaron Pico fight in his UFC debut?
21%
Aljamain Sterling
(127 votes)
30%
Someone in top 15
(183 votes)
17%
Edson Barboza
(105 votes)
597 votes total Vote Now
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