Aaron Pico: The American Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
Aaron Pico is a name that resonates in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), known for his remarkable transition from wrestling to the octagon. Born on September 23, 1996, in Whittier, California, Pico has established himself as a multifaceted athlete with deep roots in combat sports. His journey began early, shaped by a unique family heritage and an unwavering dedication to training. Over the years, he has built a career that combines technical skill, physical strength, and mental determination, earning respect as a competitor in promotions like Bellator and, more recently, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This article explores his life, achievements, and challenges, highlighting the moments that have defined his path in the sport.
Early Life and Family Background
Aaron Pico grew up in Whittier, a city in Southern California, in a family with deep historical ties. He is a seventh-generation Californian and a great-great-grandson of Pío Pico, the last governor of California under Mexican rule. This cultural heritage has shaped his identity, connecting him to a lineage of prominent figures in the state’s history. From a young age, Pico showed an interest in combat sports, beginning his wrestling journey at just four years old. His parents encouraged this passion, recognizing their son’s potential to excel in disciplines requiring discipline and resilience.
In addition to wrestling, Pico explored other combat sports. At age ten, he started boxing, quickly standing out. In 2008, he won the national Police Athletic League (PAL) championship, and the following year, he claimed the Junior Golden Gloves title, earning the “outstanding boxer” award at both events. He also competed in Pankration, an ancient form of combat blending wrestling and boxing elements. In this sport, Pico won the national championship in 2008 and the Golden Cup European Pankration in 2010 in Ukraine. These early victories laid the foundation for his athletic career, preparing him for greater challenges. His family, always supportive, provided the necessary balance between academics and intense training during his childhood and adolescence.
During his time at St. John Bosco High School, Pico maintained a balance between academics and athletics. He graduated with honors, but his primary focus was on the wrestling mat, where he became a local legend. These early years were not just about victories; they taught valuable lessons about perseverance, especially when facing minor injuries or tough competitions. Pico often credits his family for instilling values like humility and hard work, which became cornerstones of his career.
Wrestling Career
Pico’s wrestling career is a standout chapter in his story, marked by achievements that placed him among the top young athletes in the United States. He competed primarily in freestyle wrestling in the 65-kilogram category, showcasing a rare combination of speed, technique, and strength.
High School Achievements
In his freshman year of high school, Pico achieved a perfect 42-0 season, culminating in the CIF state championship in the 132-pound category. This flawless performance caught the attention of national coaches, who saw Olympic potential in him. He continued to dominate high school competitions, amassing impressive records and individual awards. His ability to control opponents on the ground and execute precise takedowns set him apart from his peers.
International Competitions
After high school, Pico focused on international wrestling. In 2013, at age 17, he became the U17 world champion, a feat that solidified his global reputation. In 2014, he won gold at the Henri Deglane Grand Prix and the Cerro Pelado International, along with a silver at the Spain Grand Prix. He also secured bronzes at tournaments like the Dave Schultz Memorial International and the Grand Prix of Paris.
In 2016, Pico served as an Olympic alternate for the U.S. team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, an honor that highlighted his talent, though he did not compete. He signed professional contracts with brands like Dethrone Royalty and Nike, which made him ineligible for NCAA wrestling. Instead, he focused on elite competitions, participating in events like the U.S. Open and World Team Trials. His accolades include gold at the 2016 Pan-American Championships and bronzes at World Cup events. Pico competed until 2017, when he shifted his focus to MMA, leaving wrestling with a legacy of over 200 wins and few losses.
These wrestling experiences not only honed his foundational skills but also built a resilient mindset. Facing high-caliber opponents taught him to adapt strategies in real-time, a skill critical for his future transition.
Transition to MMA
Pico’s decision to enter MMA was a natural progression, given his wrestling and boxing background. In November 2014, while still competing in wrestling, he signed a contract with Bellator MMA, a promotion that saw him as a “potential superstar,” according to president Scott Coker. Pico planned to pursue his Olympic dream before fully committing to MMA, stating he would not waste time in college.
His transition involved intensive training at renowned gyms, incorporating Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai, and physical conditioning. He moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to train with coaches like Greg Jackson and Freddie Roach, known for shaping champions. This preparation phase lasted years, with Pico balancing wrestling competitions and octagon sparring sessions. He viewed MMA as an extension of his skills, where he could effectively apply takedowns and ground-and-pound techniques.
Professional MMA Career
Pico made his professional MMA debut in 2017, after years of anticipation. His career in Bellator was a rollercoaster of impressive victories and unexpected setbacks, culminating in a move to the UFC in 2025.
Bellator Debut
On June 24, 2017, at Bellator NYC, Pico faced Zach Freeman in his debut. Despite high expectations, he lost by submission in just 24 seconds, a shock that shook his early confidence. However, Pico bounced back quickly, moving to the featherweight division and securing consecutive victories. His first win came against Justin Linn at Bellator 183, via first-round knockout, showcasing his punching power.
Key Wins and Losses
Over 17 fights in Bellator, Pico compiled a record of 13 wins and 4 losses. His victories included knockouts against Shane Krutchen, Lee Morrison, Leandro Higo, Daniel Carey, John de Jesus, Adli Edwards, Pedro Carvalho, and Henry Corrales (twice). He also submitted Chris Hatley Jr. and Aiden Lee and won decisions against Justin Gonzales and James Gonzalez. Highlights include the TKO over Pedro Carvalho at Bellator 299 and the rematch win over Corrales at PFL vs. Bellator.
His losses came via knockout to Henry Corrales and Ádám Borics, submission to Zach Freeman, and a TKO due to a shoulder injury against Jeremy Kennedy. These setbacks taught valuable lessons about defense and injury management, strengthening his resilience.
Departure from Bellator and UFC Signing
On December 31, 2024, Pico’s contract with Bellator expired, making him a free agent. On April 8, 2025, he signed with the UFC, the pinnacle of MMA. His debut was delayed, initially scheduled against Movsar Evloev in May and July 2025 but canceled due to injuries.
UFC Debut
On August 16, 2025, at UFC 319, Pico finally debuted against Lerone Murphy. Despite excitement and favorable predictions, Pico was knocked out by a spinning elbow in the second round, a loss that overshadowed his arrival in the promotion. Analysts noted his pre-fight anxiety but praised his initial aggression. The fight, watched by millions, highlighted areas for improvement, such as stand-up defense. Pico expressed disappointment but vowed to return stronger, training intensely in Chicago days before the event.
Personal Life
Outside the octagon, Pico leads a balanced life. He is married to Kylie, and they have a son, Valentino, born on July 31, 2021. The family resides in Albuquerque, where Pico trains daily. He holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Roberto Alencar and works with a stellar team of coaches, including Sazhid Sazhidov and Brandon Gibson.
Pico values privacy, focusing on fatherhood and injury recovery. His career has been free of notable controversies, and he is known for his work ethic and humility. In interviews, he discusses the sport’s impact on his mental health, emphasizing meditation and family support.
Legacy and Impact
Aaron Pico leaves a legacy as one of the most talented wrestlers to transition to MMA. His wrestling achievements inspire young athletes, while his MMA career showcases resilience in the face of adversity. At 28, he still has the potential for championship glory, influencing the sport with his technical foundation and determination. Pico represents the evolution of MMA, where multifaceted athletes thrive. His future in the UFC, despite a tough debut, promises more exciting chapters.
