Aaron Pico recently opened up about the disappointment he felt after his UFC debut against Movsar Evloev fell through. Evloev withdrew from the fight, which was scheduled for Jul. 26, postponing Pico highly anticipated debut.
Pico joined the UFC roster after an impressive run in Bellator. His bout against Evloev was set as a 5-round co-main event and could have had major title implications.
Evloev is currently the No.1 ranked UFC featherweight. A win over him could have positioned Pico for an immediate title shot.
Pico confirmed the reports that Evloev had pulled out and expressed his clear frustration over the cancellation. He still extended well wishes to the unbeaten featherweight contender, but made it clear he wants the fight rescheduled soon.
“Not going to sugarcoat it. I’m pretty disappointed you pulled out of this one,” Pico wrote in an Instagram post. “I get that things happen, and I truly hope whatever’s going on, you recover quickly.”
Despite the respectful tone, Pico made it clear he’s eager to fight. He called on Evloev to agree to a new date, specifically suggesting UFC 319 on Aug. 16 in Chicago.
“That said, my camps aren’t cheap, and I’m ready to get in there and put on a show sooner rather than later,” Pico wrote. “I understand there’s an opening for us [at UFC 319] in Chicago. We don’t get promotions for calling in sick. I’ll see you in Chicago, @movsar_evloev_94.”
What was Aaron Pico’s record in Bellator?
Pico spent his entire professional career in Bellator before joining the UFC. He debuted as a young 20-year-old with high expectations and ready to take the sport by storm. However, his first fight didn’t go as planned.
Zach Freeman spoiled Pico’s debut by submitting him in just 24-seconds of the 1st round. Following the loss, Pico dropped down to featherweight. The move paid off as he earned four straight 1st round KO/TKO victories.
Despite that impressive streak, Pico hit another bump in the road. He suffered back-to-back losses, which forced him to re-evaluate his approach. In 2020, he made significant changes and began balancing his elite wrestling with more polished striking.
Pico finished his Bellator run with a 13-4 record. He went 9-1 in his final 10 bouts, with a loss coming after a shoulder dislocation.
He enters the UFC on a three-fight winning streak, including two consecutive 1st round TKOs.
Aaron Pico Once Opened up About Lessons Learned From Early Career Setbacks
Pico has spoken candidly in the past about lessons he learned from early setbacks in Bellator.
As one of Bellator’s young homegrown stars, Pico had a target on his back from day one. He admitted that early pressure affected his career trajectory.
Speaking to VIBE 105.5FM Toronto in 2021, Pico said he rushed into fighting more experienced opponents too soon. He emphasized that young fighters need to pace themselves and build gradually. .
“When you’re 20-years-old, there’s really no rush,” Pico said. “Fight guys that have the same fights as you, same experience, and get some experience under your belt.”
He added:
“Early on in your career as a young fighter, it’s very, very crucial to just do things the right way.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Aaron Pico Breaks Silence After Movsar Evloev Pulls Out of UFC Abu Dhabi Fight appeared first on Heavy Sports.