Aaron Pico was undoubtedly grateful for the time to fight for Bellator MMA, but he always knew that his journey had to lead to the UFC if he wanted to be considered the best in the world.
After spending one fight in the PFL following all the Bellator Assets acquisitions, he took the 28-year-old featherweight hit free agency after his contract expired and turned his eye to joining the UFC roster immediately. Following the public spat that ultimately led to the PFL waived his matching rights, Pico officially signed with the UFC on Tuesday, and now the hard work really begins.
“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.
Of course, Pitbull was the champion of Bellator Featherweight before securing a release with the UFC on Saturday’s debut set with Yair Rodriguez.
Pico wanted the same type of opportunity. In particular, he hopes to be able to run with the UFC title on the upskirts of his 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.”
Like Michael Chandler and his previous Kayla Harrison, Pico joins the UFC roster with a lot of hype and expectations, but nothing higher than the desires he has for himself.
Pico isn’t necessarily a common name yet, but he felt that when he lands in the UFC it always changes. Now he finally got the opportunity to prove it.
“UFC fans haven’t seen me yet,” Pico said. I think it’s a completely different ball game. I’m excited. “