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Aaron Pico once hailed as the greatest prospect in MMA history, is now a free agent, poised to explore new opportunities across the sport's premier organizations. The 28-year-old fighter debuted in 2017 under the Bellator banner at just 20 years old. Despite a rocky start, Pico has since demonstrated remarkable resilience, winning nine of his last ten bouts. The sole loss in that streak came via an unfortunate in-fight shoulder dislocation.
Pico's most recent appearance was a dominant first-round TKO victory over Henry Corrales at February’s PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event in Saudi Arabia. However, inactivity has been a recurring theme for Pico, as he’s fought only three times in the past two years. This inactivity, stemming from the Bellator-PFL merger in late 2023, has frustrated several fighters.
Ali Abdelaziz, Pico’s manager and head of Dominance MMA, recently revealed that Pico’s free agency status has kept him from joining others in voicing their concerns. Abdelaziz explained,
“Pico didn’t say nothing because he’s 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 don’t know.”
Pico’s exclusivity period with the PFL ends in January 2025, after which he can negotiate freely with any organization. Abdelaziz hinted that top promotions like the UFC are likely interested, and Pico is open to considering all options.
“Pico’s a businessman. Pico likes money,” Abdelaziz said. “Of course, he would love to become a UFC champion, but if PFL can offer me a deal I can’t refuse, then he’s going to take it. But if he said, ‘I want to go to the UFC,’ I have to go get an offer from the UFC and PFL can have the right to match it.”
Whether Pico chooses to remain with the PFL or explore the UFC and other opportunities, Abdelaziz emphasized the importance of finding a deal that ensures both financial security and consistent competition.
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