Aaron Pico

Last updated
Aaron Pico
Wrestler Aaron Pico 2014.png
Pico in 2014
BornAaron Pico
(1996-09-23) September 23, 1996 (age 28)
Whittier, California, U.S.
Residence Whittier, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
Division Lightweight (155 lbs) (2017)
Featherweight (145 lbs) (2017–present)
Reach70+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)
Brandon Gibson (Striking)
RankBlue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Alencar [3]
Wrestling Olympic Freestyle Wrestling [4]
Greco-Roman Wrestling [5]
Years active2017–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total17
Wins13
By knockout9
By submission2
By decision2
Losses4
By knockout3
By submission1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Alexander Medved Prizes
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg2016 Minsk70 kg
Granma Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2015 Habana City65 kg
Grand Prix of Spain
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2014 Madrid65 kg
Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2014 Nice65 kg
Junior World Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2014 Zagreb 66 kg
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2015 Salvador da Bahia 66 kg
Cadet World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2013 Zrenjanin 63 kg

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]

Contents

Early life

Pico was born September 23, 1996, in Whittier, California. He is a seventh-generation Californio and a member of the Pico family of California, as great-great-great-great-grandson of Pío Pico, the 10th Governor of Alta California. [8] At age ten, he began boxing and competing in Pankration tournaments. [9]

Wrestling career

Early career

Pico started wrestling at the age of four, while also competing in multiple other combat sports. [9]

High school career

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. [10] [11] Afterwards, Pico would compete in freestyle, and after making the US Cadet World Team, he claimed the Cadet World Championship at 63 kilograms. [12] He made his senior freestyle debut at age 18, defeating Alibeggadzhi Emeev in a lopsided decision in a dual meet against Russia. [13]

The top–ranked high school wrestler in the country in 2014, he signed major endorsement contracts with Dethrone Royalty, an MMA lifestyle apparel company, and a multi–year shoe endorsement with Nike, Inc., turning into a professional athlete. [14] This made him ineligible to compete in collegiate wrestling under NCAA rules. 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. [15] Before his MMA debut, Pico explained: [16]

"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. [17] 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. [18] 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. [19] In October, he placed third at the prestigious Soslan Andiev International in Russia. [18] 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. [20]

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. [21] 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. [22] In April 6, Pico fell to Dan Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf in a dual meet against Iowa. [23] 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. [24] In August, Pico placed third at the Junior World Championships, bringing a bronze medal to the United States. [25] 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. [26] [27]

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 Nazar Kulchytskyy, 2010 Asian Games Gold medalist from Mongolia Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran and 2015 U23 European Continental medalist from Belarus Andrei Karpach. [28] [29] 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. [30] After defeating Molinaro first round, Pico was downed twice in razor close matches, losing his opportunity of becoming an Olympian at age 19. [31] This was Pico's last wrestling match before transitioning into MMA. [32] Molinaro went on to place fifth at the Olympics.

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. [33]

Mixed martial arts career

Pico signed an endorsement contract with Dethrone Royalty[ when? ], an MMA lifestyle apparel company owned by Nick Swinmurn, founder of Zappos and ownership partner of the Golden State Warriors.[ citation needed ]

In April 2014, Aaron signed a multi-year shoe endorsement with Nike. [14] [34]

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. [35] Bellator MMA President, Scott Coker stated, "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." [36]

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. [37]

After his upset loss to Freeman, Pico moved down to the featherweight division and faced Justin Linn at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017. [38] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Pico faced Shane Krutchen at Bellator 192 on January 20, 2018. [39] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. [40] with a brutal left to Krutchen's body. [41]

Pico faced Lee Morrison at Bellator 199 on May 12, 2018. [42] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. [43]

Pico faced Leandro Higo at Bellator 206 on September 29, 2018. [44] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one. [45]

Pico faced Henry Corrales at Bellator 214 on January 26, 2019. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. [46]

Pico faced Ádám Borics at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019. [47] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the second round. [48]

Pico faced Daniel Carey at Bellator 238 on January 25, 2020. [49] He won the fight via knockout in the second round. [50]

Pico faced Chris Hatley Jr. at Bellator 242 on July 24, 2020. [51] He won the fight via submission in the first round. [52]

Pico faced John de Jesus at Bellator 252 on November 12, 2020. [53] He won via second round knockout. [54]

Pico was expected to face Aiden Lee on April 16, 2021, at Bellator 257. [55] However, on April 4, Pico had to pull out of the bout due to medical issues. [56] The fight eventually took place at Bellator 260 on June 11, 2021. [57] He won the fight via submission in the third round. [58]

Pico faced Justin Gonzales on November 12, 2021, at Bellator 271. [59] He won the bout in dominant fashion via unanimous decision. [60]

As the first bout of his new, multi-fight contract Pico was scheduled to face Jeremy Kennedy on April 15, 2022, at Bellator 277. [61] [62] However, Kennedy withdrew 8 days before the event and Adli Edwards replaced him. [63] [64] He won the bout via TKO in the third round. [65]

The bout against Jeremy Kennedy was rebooked for October 1, 2022, at Bellator 286. [66] After hurting his shoulder mid way through the first round, the bout was stopped after the first round by the doctor. [67] It was later revealed that Pico had not sustained a break, just a dislocation. [68]

Pico was scheduled to return from injury against Otto Rodrigues on April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295. [69] However, Rodrigues had to pull out with injury in early April and was replaced by James Gonzalez. [70] He won the bout via unanimous decision. [71]

Pico faced Pedro Carvalho on September 23, 2023, at Bellator 299. [72] He won the fight via ground and pound TKO in the first round. [73]

Pico was scheduled to face Gabriel Alves Braga on February 24, 2024, at PFL vs. Bellator. [74] Braga was pulled from the bout and booked against Patrício Pitbull on the same card, while Pico was booked in a rematch against Henry Corrales. [75] Pico won the bout via TKO in the first round. [76]

Personal life

Aaron Pico is a seventh generation Californio. [77] Pico is a direct descendant of Pío de Jesus Pico, who was the last Mexican Governor of California under the Providence of Mexico. [78]

Pico and his wife Kylie have a son, Valentino (born 2021). [79]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
17 matches13 wins4 losses
By knockout93
By submission21
By decision20
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win13–4 Henry Corrales TKO (punches) PFL vs. Bellator February 24, 202414:53 Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaLightweight bout.
Win12–4 Pedro Carvalho TKO (punches) Bellator 299 September 23, 202313:05 Dublin, Ireland
Win11–4James GonzalezDecision (unanimous) Bellator 295 April 22, 202335:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss10–4 Jeremy Kennedy TKO (shoulder injury) Bellator 286 October 1, 202215:00 Long Beach, California, United States
Win10–3Adli EdwardsTKO (punches) Bellator 277 April 15, 202230:55 San Jose, California, United StatesCatchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win9–3Justin GonzalesDecision (unanimous) Bellator 271 November 12, 202135:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Win8–3Aiden LeeSubmission (anaconda choke) Bellator 260 June 11, 202131:33 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win7–3John de JesusKO (punch) Bellator 252 November 12, 202024:12 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win6–3Chris HatleySubmission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 242 July 24, 202012:10 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win5–3Daniel CareyKO (punch) Bellator 238 January 25, 202020:15 Inglewood, California, United States
Loss4–3 Ádám Borics TKO (flying knee and punches) Bellator 222 June 14, 201923:55 New York City, New York, United States
Loss4–2 Henry Corrales KO (punches) Bellator 214 January 26, 201911:07 Inglewood, California, United States
Win4–1 Leandro Higo TKO (punches) Bellator 206 September 29, 201813:19 San Jose, California, United States
Win3–1Lee MorrisonTKO (punches) Bellator 199 May 12, 201811:10 San Jose, California, United States
Win2–1Shane KruchtenKO (punch to the body) Bellator 192 January 20, 201810:37 Inglewood, California, United States
Win1–1Justin LinnKO (punch) Bellator 183 September 24, 201713:45 San Jose, California, United StatesFeatherweight debut.
Loss0–1Zach FreemanSubmission (guillotine choke) Bellator 180 June 24, 201710:24 New York City, New York, United StatesLightweight debut.

[87]

Freestyle record

Senior Freestyle Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2016 US Olympic Team Trials Silver medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Loss40–14 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 4–4April 9–10, 2016 2016 US Olympic Team Trials

Flag of the United States.svg Iowa City, Iowa

Loss40–13 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 3–4
Win40–12 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 4–2
Win39–12 Flag of the United States.svg Reece Humphrey TF 12–1
Win38–12 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Oliver 11–9
Win37–12 Flag of the United States.svg Jayson NessTF 20–9
2016 Alexander Medved Prizes Bronze medal icon.svg at 70 kg
Win36–12 Flag of Georgia.svg Davit Tlashadze10–5February 18–19, 20162016 Alexander Medved Prizes Ranking Series

Flag of Belarus.svg Minsk, Belarus

Loss35–12 Flag of Georgia.svg Zurabi Iakobishvili 3–5
Win35–11 Flag of Belarus.svg Andrei Karpach TF 12–0
Win34–11 Flag of Mongolia.svg Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran TF 11–0
Win33–11 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Kanat MusabekovTF 14–4
2016 Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial 5th at 70 kg
Loss32–11 Flag of Armenia.svg Valter MargaryanFebruary 13–14, 2016XXth Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial

Flag of Ukraine.svg Kyiv, Ukraine

Loss32–10 Flag of Iran.svg Saeed Dadashpour3–7
Win32–9 Flag of the United States.svg Nazar Kulchytskyy 6–2
2015 US Nationals 4th at 65 kg
Loss31–9 Flag of the United States.svg Reece Humphrey TF 0–10December 17–19, 20152015 US Senior National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win31–8 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 14–5
Loss30–8 Flag of the United States.svg Logan Stieber 5–13
Win30–7 Flag of the United States.svg Kellen Russell10–3
Win29–7 Flag of the United States.svg Justin FeldmanTF 10–0
Win28–7 Flag of the United States.svg Nick Dardanes6–0
2015 Bill Farrell Open Bronze medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win27–7 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 7–4November 5–7, 20152015 Bill Farrell International Open

Flag of the United States.svg New York City, New York

Win26–7 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Chamberlain11–4
Win25–7 Flag of the United States.svg Nazar Kulchytskyy 8–2
Win24–7 Flag of the United States.svg Kendric MapleTF 11–0
Loss23–7 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Molinaro 2–4
Win23–6 Flag of Bulgaria.svg Filip StefanovTF 10–0
Win22–6 Flag of the United States.svg Mario MasonTF 10–0
2015 Intercontinental Cup 5th at 70 kg
Loss21–6 Flag of Russia.svg Azamat Omurzhanov4–4October 16–18, 20152015 Intercontinental Cup

Flag of Russia.svg Khasavyurt, Russia

Loss21–5 Flag of Russia.svg Amir Berukov8–12
Win21–4 Flag of Russia.svg Abutalim Gamzaev13–9
Win20–4 Flag of Russia.svg Magomed Khizriev11–9
Win19–4 Flag of Russia.svg Arsen GusbanovTF 11–0
Loss18–4 Flag of the United States.svg Brent Metcalf 3–5April 6, 20152015 Agon V

Flag of the United States.svg Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2015 Granma y Cerro Pelado International Gold medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win18–3 Flag of the United States.svg Reece Humphrey 6–0February 11–15, 20152015 Granma y Cerro Pelado International

Flag of Cuba.svg Havana, Cuba

Win17–3 Flag of Cuba.svg Alejandro Valdés 5–2
Win16–3 Flag of Cuba.svg Franklin Maren1–1
Win15–3 Flag of Brazil.svg Matheus FrotaTF 10–0
2015 Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix 21st at 65 kg
Loss14–3 Flag of the Chechen Republic.svg Akhmed Chakaev 3–6January 22–26, 2015 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2015

Flag of Russia.svg Krasnoyarsk, Russia

2014 Henri Deglane Grand Prix Gold medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Win14–2 Flag of Armenia.svg Devid Safaryan 7–5November 28–29, 20142014 Henri Deglane Challenge

Flag of France.svg Nice, France

Win13–2 Flag of Georgia.svg Davit Berdznishvili10–5
Win11–2 Flag of France.svg Maxime FiquetTF 12–0
Win10–2 Flag of France.svg Ruslan MukhtarovTF 14–4
Win9–2 Flag of France.svg Bruno LawsonTF 11–0
2014 Soslan Andiev International Bronze medal icon.svg at 70 kg
Win8–2 Flag of Kabardino-Balkaria.svg TFOctober 24, 20142014 Soslan Andiev International

Flag of Russia.svg Vladikavkaz, Russia

Win7–2 Flag of the Chechen Republic.svg TF
Win6–2 Flag of Dagestan.svg TF
Loss5–2 Flag of Dagestan.svg Magomed Khizriev
Win5–1 Flag of North Ossetia.svg TF
2014 Spain Grand Prix Silver medal icon.svg at 65 kg
Loss4–1 Flag of Italy.svg Frank Chamizo 2–4July 5, 20142014 Grand Prix of Spain

Flag of Spain.svg Madrid, Spain

Win4–0 Flag of South Korea.svg Lee Seung-bong TF 10–0
Win3–0 Flag of Iran.svg Abdollahpour Gholamreza9–1
Win2–0 Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg Rodrigue Lawson MassambaTF 11–0
Win1–0 Flag of Russia.svg Alibeggadzhi Emeev8–0November 16, 20132013 USA vs. Russia Dual Meet I

Flag of the United States.svg Clifton Park, New York

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References

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  2. ↑ Marc Raimondi (May 7, 2019). "Sources: Prospect Pico to JacksonWink MMA". espn.com.
  3. ↑ aaronpicousa (December 7, 2019). "Earned not given. Thank you @tussagb for blue belt. 🥋". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-25.
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  5. ↑ "Aaron Pico". Cal Grappler. 10 August 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
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  7. ↑ "Ex-wrestlers Pico, Caldwell winners at Bellator 238". InterMat. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
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  13. ↑ "Relive Aaron Pico's Senior level debut". Team USA. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-01.
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  35. ↑ ""MMA's Greatest Prospect" Joins Bellator MMA - Bellator MMA". Archived from the original on 2014-12-26.
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  37. ↑ "Bellator NYC results: Huge underdog Zach Freeman chokes out Aaron Pico in 24 seconds". MMAjunkie. 2017-06-25. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  38. ↑ Alexander K. Lee (September 5, 2017). "Aaron Pico drops down to featherweight for second fight, meets Justin Linn at Bellator 183". mmafighting.com.
  39. ↑ Fernanda Prates (January 18, 2018). "Bellator 192's Aaron Pico's fight day: Cold-pressed juice, grass-fed meats and church". mmajunkie.com.
  40. ↑ Mike Bohn (January 20, 2018). "Bellator 192 results: Aaron Pico scores 37-second KO with body shot". mmajunkie.com.
  41. ↑ "Video: Aaron Pico disintegrates Shane Kruchten with body punch at Bellator 192". 20 January 2018.
  42. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (April 3, 2018). "Aaron Pico returns against Lee Morrison at Bellator 199". mmafighting.com.
  43. ↑ Simon Samano (May 12, 2018). "Bellator 199 results: Aaron Pico lands huge body shot for second straight TKO victory". mmajunkie.com.
  44. ↑ "Elite prospect Aaron Pico matched up with Leandro Higo at Bellator 206". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
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  46. ↑ Steven Marrocco (2019-01-26). "Bellator 214 results: Henry Corrales rebounds, knocks out Aaron Pico in stunning fashion". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
  47. ↑ Alexander K. Lee (May 12, 2019). "Aaron Pico to fight unbeaten Adam Borics at Bellator 222". mmafighting.com.
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  49. ↑ Farah Hannoun (December 3, 2019). "Adam Borics vs. Darrion Caldwell grand prix matchup set for Bellator 238". mmafighting.com.
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  51. ↑ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2020-07-15). "Bellator 242 official for July 24, full card announced including return of Aaron Pico". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
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  59. ↑ "Sources: Pico, Gonzales agree for Bellator 271". ESPN.com. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2021-10-14.
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  61. ↑ "Aaron Pico set to return at Bellator 277 vs. ex-UFC fighter Jeremy Kennedy". MMA Junkie. 2022-02-17. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
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  64. ↑ "With Jeremy Kennedy out, Adli Edwards steps in to face Aaron Pico at Bellator 277". MMA Junkie. 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2022-04-08.
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  81. ↑ "UPDATE: Pico, Anthony, Maroulis win golds at Henri Deglane Challenge in France". Team USA. Archived from the original on December 1, 2014.
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