Aaron Pico always knew he was going to the UFC. After all, today is that day.
Well, not accurate, but earlier this week, Pico confirmed that he will sign the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a single fight under the PFL banner after buying Bellator in late 2023.
Like another recent UFC signator, Patricio Pitobull, Pico said a rather general farewell to his former employer, waived all matching rights, and managed to spread the wings to the biggest stages of MMA.
“It’s the largest organization in the world and no one’s looking to stop them to be honest with you,” Pico told MMA that he’ll fight about the UFC. “It’s at the highest level. Let’s call it what it is. I’m sure there are people in other organizations who can compete for the title, but unless you’re a UFC champion, you don’t have any respect. Why do you think Patricio Pitbull wants UFC so badly?
“A lot of people want to do that because it’s the best organization in the world and you see horsepower. You see the amount of work they put in. Other organizations aren’t saying that, but I’m sure everyone in the UFC work is day to day. That’s who I want to fight.
Aaron Pico is ready to take the featherweight division in the storm
Pitbull makes his promotional debut at UFC 314 this Saturday night, squared with former interim featherweight champion Yearodriguez. The victory allowed Pitbull to put himself in the title shot position.
Pico hopes he will have similar opportunities as he enters the heyday of his mixed martial arts career.
“I’m getting better,” Pico said. “It’s crazy to think about. I’m always thinking about my first fight and what I knew mentally and compared to now. It’s so crazy for me. Do you think I was fighting? I still learn a lot with all my coaches.
“A few years ago when I first started, I always (that feeling) I go, I always had it in me, but I still have a bit of hesitation. Time to do it.”
Unlike some of the other big names coming from Bellator and PFL, including Michael Chandler, Kayla Harrison, and Pitobull, Pico has yet to establish himself as a big star in the sport.
But for Pico, he believes it’s only a matter of time before the UFC and its large fans see that he’s really capable.
“UFC fans haven’t seen me yet,” Pico said. “I think it’s a completely different ball game. I’m excited.”