Aaron Pico undoubtedly appreciated his time combating for Bellator MMA, however he at all times knew if he actually wished to be thought of the perfect on the planet, his journey needed to result in the UFC.
After spending one battle within the PFL following an acquisition of all of the Bellator property, the now 28-year-old featherweight hit free company after his contract expired and he instantly set his sights on becoming a member of the UFC roster. Following a public spat that ultimately led to PFL relinquishing matching rights on him, Pico formally signed with the UFC on Tuesday and now the exhausting work actually begins.
“It’s the largest group on the planet, and I don’t see anyone stopping them to be sincere with you,” Pico informed MMA Combating in regards to the UFC previous to his signing. “It’s simply the very best stage. Let’s simply name it what it’s. I’m certain there’s guys in different organizations that may compete and win titles, however until you’re a UFC champion, you don’t have the respect. Why do you suppose Patricio Pitbull needs to go to the UFC so dangerous?
“Lots of people wish to do it as a result of it’s the finest group on the planet and also you see the horsepower. You see the quantity of labor that they put in. To not say different organizations don’t however I’m certain all these guys on the UFC work day in and day trip. That’s who I wish to battle for. I wish to go do my job, they do their job and I believe we do actually good enterprise collectively.”
After all, Pitbull was the reigning Bellator featherweight champion earlier than he additionally secured his launch and signed with the UFC along with his debut set for Saturday towards Yair Rodriguez.
Pico wished the identical sort of alternatives, particularly as he enters the prime of his profession with hopes that he’ll get to make a run at a UFC title sooner moderately than later.
“I’m getting higher,” Pico mentioned. “It’s loopy to consider. I at all times take into consideration my first battle and the place I used to be mentally and the issues that I knew in comparison with now. It’s so loopy to me. I believe how did I even battle? The abilities that I’m buying now, and I’m nonetheless studying loads with all my coaches. I’m lastly on the level mentally the place I’ll battle anyone on any given day. At 145 kilos, I really imagine I’ll beat anyone on the planet at 145 kilos. That actually feels good mentally.
“As a result of a few years in the past once I first began out, there’s at all times [that feeling] I’ll go and battle, I’ve at all times had that within me however there’s nonetheless a little bit little bit of hesitation. I don’t learn about this, I don’t learn about that. However ever since I’ve been round Brandon Gibson and coach Greg [Jackson] and I put in numerous effort and time with them, I’m lastly on the level in my life the place I’m like I’ll battle anyone at 145 kilos or anyone on the planet. Now’s the time to do it.”
Very similar to Michael Chandler and Kayla Harrison earlier than him, Pico is becoming a member of the UFC roster with numerous hype and expectation however none greater than the aspirations he has for himself.
Pico isn’t essentially a family identify simply but however he at all times felt that might change as soon as he landed within the UFC. Now he’s lastly acquired the prospect to show it.
“The UFC followers haven’t seen me but,” Pico mentioned. I believe that’s an entire completely different ballgame. I’m excited.”
