Aaron Pico
| Aaron Pico | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | Aaron Pico September 23, 1996 Whittier, California, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence | Whittier, California, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | American | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Division | Lightweight (155 lbs) (2017) Featherweight (145 lbs) (2017–present) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reach | 70+1⁄2 in (179 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Style | Wrestling, Boxing, Pankration | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy (2014–2017)[1] The Body Shop MMA (2017–2019)[1] Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2019–present)[2] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trainer | Greg Jackson (Head Coach) Valentin Kalika, Sazhid Sazhidov (formerly) (Wrestling) Sam Calavitta (Strength and Conditioning) Roberto Alencar (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) Freddie Roach (Boxing) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Alencar[3] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrestling | Olympic Freestyle Wrestling[4] Greco-Roman Wrestling[5] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 2017–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By decision | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Aaron Pico (born September 23, 1996) is an American mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler who currently competes in the featherweight division of Bellator MMA.[6] As a freestyle wrestler, Pico competed at 65 kilograms, where he placed second at 2016 US Olympic Team Trials and holds multiple national and international championships. In the age–group, he was a two–time Junior World Championship medalist and a Cadet World Champion.[7] As of December 7, 2021, he is #4 in the Bellator Featherweight Rankings.[8]
Background[]
Pico is a seventh-generation Californio and a member of the Pico family of California, as great-great-great-great-grandson of Pío Pico, 10th Governor of Alta California.[9] He started boxing at the age of ten and also competed in Pankration tournaments.[10]
Wrestling career[]
Early career[]
Pico started wrestling at the age of four, while also competing in multiple other combat sports.[10] During his freshman year of high school, Pico capped off a perfect 42–0 season at St. John Bosco High School and won the CIF state championship at 132 pounds.[11][12] Afterwards, Pico would compete in freestyle, and after making the US Cadet World Team, he claimed the Cadet World Championship at 63 kilograms.[13] He would also make his senior freestyle debut at age 18, defeating Alibeggadzhi Emeev in a lopsided decision in a dual meet against Russia.[14] In a surprising turn of events, Pico, the top–ranked high school wrestler in the country, signed major endorsement contracts with Dethrone Royalty, an MMA lifestyle apparel company, and a multi–year shoe endorsement with Nike, turning into a professional athlete in 2014.[15] This led him unable to compete in collegiate wrestling as per the rules of the NCAA, but Pico announced he intended to focus solely in freestyle to continue a mixed martial arts career after a 2016 Summer Olympic run, foregoing further education.[16] Before his MMA debut, Pico explained:[17]
“I always had it in mind that I would be an MMA fighter. I’m not going to waste my time with four, five years of college and get my MMA career started. I said I’m going to be in MMA so, I want to try and make this Olympic team, win a gold and then become a MMA fighter.”
Freestyle[]
2014[]
In 2014, Pico claimed the US Junior National Championship in April when he flawlessly defeated outstanding NCAA All–American from Penn State Zain Retherford in the finals, and went on to defeat him two more times in June for the US Junior World Team spot.[18] In July, Pico competed in the senior level, claiming a silver medal from the prestigious Grand Prix of Spain, falling to Yasar Dogu International champion Frank Chamizo.[19] In August, he competed at the Junior World Championships, where he defeated the eventual accomplished Daichi Takatani first round, and went on to defeat four more points by technical fall before facing eventual 2016 Olympic Gold medalist from Iran Hassan Yazdani, whom he lost to on points.[20] In October, he placed third at the prestigious Soslan Andiev International in Russia.[19] In November, he claimed his first senior level gold medal, winning the Henri Deglane Grand Prix, earning the biggest win of his career over 2013 World Champion from Armenia David Safaryan in the finals.[21]
2015[]
To start off the year, he competed at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin in January, placing 21st after losing first round to Akhmed Chakaev.[22] In February, he claimed the Cerro Pelado International championship, defeating Pan American champions, Franklin Marén and Alejandro Valdés, and two–time US World Team Member Reece Humphrey.[23] In April 6, Pico fell to Dan Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf in a dual meet against Iowa.[24] He then went back to the junior level to claim the US National Championship in May and the US World Team spot in June, defeating Zain Retherford three times in the process.[25] In August, Pico placed third at the Junior World Championships, bringing a bronze medal to the United States.[26] Back to the senior level, Pico placed fifth at the Intercontinental Cup, third at the Bill Farrell International and fourth at the US Nationals (qualifying for the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials) before the year ended.[27][28]
2016[]
To open up the Olympic year, he moved up to 70 kilograms for two tournaments, placing fifth at the Ukrainian International Open and third at the Alexander Medved Prizes, compiling notable victories over three–time NCAA champion Nazar Kulchytskyy, 2010 Asian Games Gold medalist from Mongolia Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran and 2015 U23 European Continental medalist from Belarus Andrei Karpach.[29][30] At the US Olympic Team Trials, Pico defeated 2010 NCAA champion Jason Ness, two–time NCAA champion and US National runner–up Jordan Oliver and three–time US National champion Reece Humphrey to make the best–of–three. In the finals, he faced reigning Pan American champion and 2012 NCAA champion Frank Molinaro, whom he was 2–1 against.[31] After defeating Molinaro first round, Pico was downed twice in razor close matches, losing his opportunity of becoming an Olympian at age 19.[32] This was Pico's last wrestling match before transitioning into MMA.[33]
Boxing and pankration[]
In addition to wrestling, Pico also competed in boxing and Pankration. Pico won the national PAL championship in 2008 and was national Junior Golden Gloves champion in 2009, he won ‘most outstanding boxer’ at both tournaments. In Pankration, Pico also was a national champion in 2008. In addition, Pico went to Ukraine in 2010, and won the golden cup European Pankration championship. During this time Pico also won the California state championships in both sports.[34]
Mixed martial arts career[]
Aaron Pico was offered and signed major endorsement contracts with Dethrone Royalty, an MMA lifestyle apparel company owned by Nick Swinmurn, founder of Zappos and ownership partner of the Golden State Warriors.
In April 2014, Aaron signed a multi-year shoe endorsement with Nike.[15][35]
Bellator MMA[]
In early November 2014, Aaron signed a long term unprecedented contract with MMA promoter Bellator MMA and its parent company Viacom, as their new blue chip prospect.[36] Pico is versed in wrestling, amateur MMA and boxing and has multiple wins under his belt. Bellator MMA President, Scott Coker states, "Simply put, Aaron has all the makings of MMA's next great superstar, and to have him here at Bellator MMA is something special. Like many of us in the MMA community, Aaron is someone we've been watching closely over the last few years, and after sitting down with Bob Cook and his team, getting a chance to meet Aaron, and hearing his long-term aspirations, the fit became very obvious."[37]
Pico made his professional MMA debut at Bellator NYC on June 24, 2017, at the Madison Square Garden. He lost to Zach Freeman via submission just 24 seconds into the first round in an upset.[38]
After his upset loss to Freeman, Pico moved down to the featherweight division and faced Justin Linn at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017.[39] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Pico faced Shane Krutchen at Bellator 192 on January 20, 2018.[40] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[41] with a brutal left to Krutchen's body.[42]
Pico faced Lee Morrison at Bellator 199 on May 12, 2018.[43] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[44]
Pico faced Leandro Higo at Bellator 206 on September 29, 2018..[45] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.[46]
Pico faced Henry Corrales at Bellator 214 on January 26, 2019. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. [47]
Pico faced Ádám Borics at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019.[48] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round.[49]
Pico faced Daniel Carey at Bellator 238 on January 25, 2020.[50] He won the fight via knockout in the second round.[51]
Pico faced Chris Hatley Jr. at Bellator 242 on July 24, 2020.[52] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[53]
Pico faced John de Jesus at Bellator 252 on November 12, 2020.[54] He won via second round knockout.[55]
Pico was expected to face Aiden Lee on April 16, 2021 at Bellator 257. [56] However, on April 4, Pico had to pull out of the bout due to medical issues. [57] The fight eventually took place at Bellator 260 on June 11, 2021.[58] He won the fight via submission in the third round.[59]
Pico faced Justin Gonzales on November 12, 2021 at Bellator 271.[60] He won the bout in dominant fashion via unanimous decision.[61]
Personal life[]
Aaron Pico is a seventh generation Californio.[62] Pico is a direct descendant of Pío de Jesus Pico, who was the last Mexican Governor of California under the Providence of Mexico.[63]
Pico and his wife Kylie have a son, Valentino (born 2021).[64]
Championships and accomplishments[]
- Freestyle wrestling
- 2016 US Olympic Team Trials Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg 2nd place
- 2016 Alexander Medved International Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Bronze Medal
- 2015 Cerro Pelado International Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Champion – Havana, Cuba[65]
- 2014 Henri Deglane Challenge Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Champion – Nice, France[66]
- 2014 Soslan Andiyev Senior Men Freestyle 70 kg Bronze Medal – North Ossetia – Alania, Russia[67]
- 2014 Grand Prix of Spain Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Silver Medal – Madrid, Spain[68]
- Boxing
- 2008 Desert Showdown Champ – Indio, CA
- 2008 California State PAL Champ – Oxnard, CA
- 2008 National PAL Champ – Tournament Outstanding Boxer Award– Oxnard, CA
- 2009 Desert Showdown Champ – Indio, CA
- 2009 National Junior Golden Gloves Championship Champ – Mesquite, NV Tournament Outstanding Boxer Award
- Pankration
Mixed martial arts record[]
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 12 matches | 9 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 6 | 2 |
| By submission | 2 | 1 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 9–3 | Justin Gonzales | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 271 | November 12, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 8–3 | Aiden Lee | Submission (anaconda choke) | Bellator 260 | June 11, 2021 | 3 | 1:33 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 7–3 | John de Jesus | KO (punch) | Bellator 252 | November 12, 2020 | 2 | 4:12 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 6–3 | Chris Hatley | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 242 | July 24, 2020 | 1 | 2:10 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 5–3 | Daniel Carey | KO (punch) | Bellator 238 | January 25, 2020 | 2 | 0:15 | Inglewood, California, United States | |
| Loss | 4–3 | Ádám Borics | TKO (flying knee and punches) | Bellator 222 | June 14, 2019 | 2 | 3:55 | New York City, New York, United States | |
| Loss | 4–2 | Henry Corrales | KO (punches) | Bellator 214 | January 26, 2019 | 1 | 1:07 | Inglewood, California, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Leandro Higo | TKO (punches) | Bellator 206 | September 29, 2018 | 1 | 3:19 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Lee Morrison | TKO (punches) | Bellator 199 | May 12, 2018 | 1 | 1:10 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Shane Krutchen | KO (punch to the body) | Bellator 192 | January 20, 2018 | 1 | 0:37 | Inglewood, California, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Justin Linn | KO (punch) | Bellator 183 | September 24, 2017 | 1 | 3:45 | San Jose, California, United States | Featherweight debut. |
| Loss | 0–1 | Zach Freeman | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 180 | June 24, 2017 | 1 | 0:24 | New York City, New York, United States | Lightweight debut. |
Freestyle record[]
Junior freestyle record[]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ a b Alexander K. Lee (September 22, 2017). "Aaron Pico talks simplified approach for Bellator return, sparring with Miguel Cotto". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Marc Raimondi (May 7, 2019). "Sources: Prospect Pico to JacksonWink MMA". espn.com.
- ^ aaronpicousa (December 7, 2019). "Earned not given. Thank you @tussagb for blue belt.