Aaron Pico, once regarded as perhaps the biggest prospect in MMA history, could soon be on the move.
At 20, Pico made his MMA debut in 2017 under the Bellator banner. There was some turbulence in the early portion of his career, but he has currently won nine of his past 10 fights, with the lone defeat in that stretch coming as the result of an in-fight shoulder dislocation.
Pico (13-4) hasnāt seen action since a first-round TKO of Henry Corrales at Februaryās PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event in Saudi Arabia, however, and has only competed three times in the past two years overall. Inactivity has caused some frustration with several notable Bellator fighters since the promotion was acquired by PFL in late 2023, and according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, the only reason he hasnāt spoken out among that group is because of his contract status.
Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie on Monday that Pico is currently a free agent, and once his exclusive matching period with PFL expires in January, he will be open to negotiate with any organization.
āPico was supposed to fight (Patricio) āPitbullā in December, but RIZIN (co-promotion with Bellator/PFL) got cancelled ā (now) Picoās contract ran out,ā Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. āPico right now is a free agent. Iām going to do everything I can to help these guys become successful, but Iām also going to do everything I can to make sure my fights stay regularly competing and have fights, because if they do not have fights, they cannot buy that time back.
āPico didnāt say nothing because heās a free agent. He can shop here very soon, after 90 days (of exclusive negotiation period). Maybe before the 90 days PFL make him a deal he cannot refuse, I donāt know.ā
Abdelaziz did not close the door on Pico, 28, returning to PFL under a new deal, also noting that the there is a matching period after the exclusive negotiation window ends. However it shakes out, Abdelaziz said it is his duty to find the best terms for his client, both from an activity and financial standpoint.
āPico right now is a free agent,ā Abdelaziz said. āIām sure the UFC wants him. Iām sure PFL wants to keep him. ā¦ Picoās a businessman. Pico likes money. UFC, of course he would love to become a UFC champion, but if PFL can offer me a deal I canāt refuse, then heās going to take it. But if he said, āI want to go to the UFC,ā I have to go get an offer from the UFC and PFL can have the right to match it.ā
He needs to stay busy
Potential UFC Move ! Bellasucks
That or ONEFC. I would like to see him challenged
Wow, I remember reading about him being the next big thing. I kind of fell off paying attention to him. Wish him the best. Best fights that I can watch, whether he wins or loses.
Such a weird prospect and career. Heās already in his 8th year as a pro and just has started to show some of that promise and now heās not getting fights.
Really hope we find out how good he actually is before his prime is over. Always liked watching him fight, even if it was against cans.
Pico needs head to the UFC.
While heās still young, heās entering his 8th year as a pro and has a lifetime of high-level amateur wrestling on top of that. Dude is more than ready to test himself in the big leagues.
It would be a shame if he was locked into a 3+ year deal with PFL where he fights 1-2x a year.
The last two years heās shown potential to beat anyone in his weight class
Time to head to the big leagues Pico Gram
Plz sign with UFC or Rizin 
Pico is the ultimate version of Ricky Simon
Pico would be so exciting in UFC. Heās still young and only entering his prime. Dude just barely fights it seems like.
Then why isnāt he fighting? Clown ass Donn Davis
So Dana White isnāt the only shit bag in MMA?
Chatri and Donn Davis are far worse. Donn Davis recently confessed to not even watching the sport.