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Aaron Pico

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Aaron Pico
Pico in 2014
BornAaron Pico
(1996-09-23) September 23, 1996 (age 28)
Whittier, California, U.S.
ResidenceWhittier, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionLightweight (155 lbs) (2017)
Featherweight (145 lbs) (2017–present)
Reach70+1⁄2 in (179 cm)
StyleWrestling, Boxing, Pankration
Fighting out ofAlbuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
TeamAmerican Kickboxing Academy (2014–2017)[1]
The Body Shop MMA (2017–2019)[1]
Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2019–present)[2]
TrainerGreg 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]
WrestlingOlympic 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  United States
Alexander Medved Prizes
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Minsk 70 kg
Granma Cup
Gold medal – first place 2015 Habana City 65 kg
Grand Prix of Spain
Silver medal – second place 2014 Madrid 65 kg
Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane
Gold medal – first place 2014 Nice 65 kg
Junior World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2014 Zagreb 66 kg
Bronze medal – third place 2015 Salvador da Bahia 66 kg
Cadet World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2013 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]

Early life

[edit]

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

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

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

High school career

[edit]

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

[edit]

2014

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
  • 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[80]
    • 2014 Henri Deglane Challenge Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Champion – Nice, France[81]
    • 2014 Soslan Andiyev Senior Men Freestyle 70 kg Bronze Medal – North Ossetia – Alania, Russia[82]
    • 2014 Grand Prix of Spain Senior Men Freestyle 65 kg Silver Medal – Madrid, Spain[83]
  • 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
    • 2008 – CA State Pankration Championships Champ – Santa Ana, CA
    • 2008 – National Pankration Championships Champ – Santa Ana, CA[84]
    • 2009 – CA State Pankration Championships Champ – Santa Ana, CA[85]
    • 2010 – Golden Cup European Pankration Champ – Kharkov, Ukraine[86]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
17 matches 13 wins 4 losses
By knockout 9 3
By submission 2 1
By decision 2 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 13–4 Henry Corrales TKO (punches) PFL vs. Bellator February 24, 2024 1 4:53 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Lightweight bout.
Win 12–4 Pedro Carvalho TKO (punches) Bellator 299 September 23, 2023 1 3:05 Dublin, Ireland
Win 11–4 James Gonzalez Decision (unanimous) Bellator 295 April 22, 2023 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 10–4 Jeremy Kennedy TKO (shoulder injury) Bellator 286 October 1, 2022 1 5:00 Long Beach, California, United States
Win 10–3 Adli Edwards TKO (punches) Bellator 277 April 15, 2022 3 0:55 San Jose, California, United States Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
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 Kruchten 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.

[87]

Freestyle record

[edit]
Senior Freestyle Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
2016 US Olympic Team Trials 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 65 kg
Loss 40–14 United States Frank Molinaro 4–4 April 9–10, 2016 2016 US Olympic Team Trials

United States Iowa City, Iowa

Loss 40–13 United States Frank Molinaro 3–4
Win 40–12 United States Frank Molinaro 4–2
Win 39–12 United States Reece Humphrey TF 12–1
Win 38–12 United States Jordan Oliver 11–9
Win 37–12 United States Jayson Ness TF 20–9
2016 Alexander Medved Prizes 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 36–12 Georgia (country) Davit Tlashadze 10–5 February 18–19, 2016 2016 Alexander Medved Prizes Ranking Series

Belarus Minsk, Belarus

Loss 35–12 Georgia (country) Zurabi Iakobishvili 3–5
Win 35–11 Belarus Andrei Karpach TF 12–0
Win 34–11 Mongolia Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran TF 11–0
Win 33–11 Kazakhstan Kanat Musabekov TF 14–4
2016 Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial 5th at 70 kg
Loss 32–11 Armenia Valter Margaryan February 13–14, 2016 XXth Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial

Ukraine Kyiv, Ukraine

Loss 32–10 Iran Saeed Dadashpour 3–7
Win 32–9 United States Nazar Kulchytskyy 6–2
2015 US Nationals 4th at 65 kg
Loss 31–9 United States Reece Humphrey TF 0–10 December 17–19, 2015 2015 US Senior National Championships

United States Las Vegas, Nevada

Win 31–8 United States Frank Molinaro 14–5
Loss 30–8 United States Logan Stieber 5–13
Win 30–7 United States Kellen Russell 10–3
Win 29–7 United States Justin Feldman TF 10–0
Win 28–7 United States Nick Dardanes 6–0
2015 Bill Farrell Open 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 27–7 United States Frank Molinaro 7–4 November 5–7, 2015 2015 Bill Farrell International Open

United States New York City, New York

Win 26–7 United States Jason Chamberlain 11–4
Win 25–7 United States Nazar Kulchytskyy 8–2
Win 24–7 United States Kendric Maple TF 11–0
Loss 23–7 United States Frank Molinaro 2–4
Win 23–6 Bulgaria Filip Stefanov TF 10–0
Win 22–6 United States Mario Mason TF 10–0
2015 Intercontinental Cup 5th at 70 kg
Loss 21–6 Russia Azamat Omurzhanov 4–4 October 16–18, 2015 2015 Intercontinental Cup

Russia Khasavyurt, Russia

Loss 21–5 Russia Amir Berukov 8–12
Win 21–4 Russia Abutalim Gamzaev 13–9
Win 20–4 Russia Magomed Khizriev 11–9
Win 19–4 Russia Arsen Gusbanov TF 11–0
Loss 18–4 United States Brent Metcalf 3–5 April 6, 2015 2015 Agon V

United States Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2015 Granma y Cerro Pelado International 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 18–3 United States Reece Humphrey 6–0 February 11–15, 2015 2015 Granma y Cerro Pelado International

Cuba Havana, Cuba

Win 17–3 Cuba Alejandro Valdés 5–2
Win 16–3 Cuba Franklin Maren 1–1
Win 15–3 Brazil Matheus Frota TF 10–0
2015 Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix 21st at 65 kg
Loss 14–3 Chechnya Akhmed Chakaev 3–6 January 22–26, 2015 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2015

Russia Krasnoyarsk, Russia

2014 Henri Deglane Grand Prix 1st place, gold medalist(s) at 65 kg
Win 14–2 Armenia Devid Safaryan 7–5 November 28–29, 2014 2014 Henri Deglane Challenge

France Nice, France

Win 13–2 Georgia (country) Davit Berdznishvili 10–5
Win 11–2 France Maxime Fiquet TF 12–0
Win 10–2 France Ruslan Mukhtarov TF 14–4
Win 9–2 France Bruno Lawson TF 11–0
2014 Soslan Andiev International 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) at 70 kg
Win 8–2 Kabardino-Balkaria TF October 24, 2014 2014 Soslan Andiev International

Russia Vladikavkaz, Russia

Win 7–2 Chechnya TF
Win 6–2 Dagestan TF
Loss 5–2 Dagestan Magomed Khizriev
Win 5–1 North Ossetia–Alania TF
2014 Spain Grand Prix 2nd place, silver medalist(s) at 65 kg
Loss 4–1 Italy Frank Chamizo 2–4 July 5, 2014 2014 Grand Prix of Spain

Spain Madrid, Spain

Win 4–0 South Korea Lee Seung-bong TF 10–0
Win 3–0 Iran Abdollahpour Gholamreza 9–1
Win 2–0 Republic of the Congo Rodrigue Lawson Massamba TF 11–0
Win 1–0 Russia Alibeggadzhi Emeev 8–0 November 16, 2013 2013 USA vs. Russia Dual Meet I

United States Clifton Park, New York

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Alexander K. Lee (September 22, 2017). "Aaron Pico talks simplified approach for Bellator return, sparring with Miguel Cotto". mmafighting.com.
  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.
  4. ^ Steven Marrocco (January 19, 2019). "'Nothing is off the table' for Bellator standout Aaron Pico – even a run at 2020 Olympics". mmajunkie.com.
  5. ^ "Aaron Pico". Cal Grappler. 10 August 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  6. ^ Tierney, Tom (26 June 2018). "Aaron Pico in Retrospect: Revisiting the "blue chip prospect"". thebodylockmma.com. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  7. ^ "Ex-wrestlers Pico, Caldwell winners at Bellator 238". InterMat. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  8. ^ OC Register - Aaron Pico learning How to Fight and Be Like a Ferrari
  9. ^ a b Dave Meltzer (January 4, 2014). "AKA's Bob Cook: Aaron Pico is greatest MMA prospect I've ever seen". mmafighting.com.
  10. ^ "Bosco phenom Aaron Pico is on the cusp of history". Orange County Register. 2014-01-15. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  11. ^ "Bosco's Aaron Pico is wrestling champ". The Downey Patriot. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  12. ^ "2013 FILA Cadet World Championships Recap: Pico captured gold in freestyle at Zrenjanin, Serbia". WIN Magazine. 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  13. ^ "Relive Aaron Pico's Senior level debut". Team USA. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-01.
  14. ^ a b "Aaron Pico to wear Nike wrestling boots in pursuit of his dreams!". Athlete Performance Solutions.
  15. ^ "St. John Bosco sophomore Aaron Pico, the nation's top wrestler, will forego high school, college wrestling after turning pro". Press Telegram. 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  16. ^ "Billed as the top prospect in MMA history, Aaron Pico will make his MMA debut Saturday at Madison Square Garden". Press Enterprise. 2017-06-22. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  17. ^ PennLive, Jim Carlson | Special to (2014-05-31). "Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford places 2nd in FILA World Team Trials". pennlive. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  18. ^ a b "FLASH: Pico wins bronze at Senior-level Soslan Andiev International in Russia". Archived from the original on 2014-10-27.
  19. ^ "Bellator NYC: Aaron Pico Greatest Hits - FloCombat". www.flocombat.com. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  20. ^ R, Coach Mike (2014-11-30). "Bellator signee Aaron Pico defeats world champ". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  21. ^ "UPDATE: Metcalf wins silver medal at Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia". Team USA. January 24, 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-01-28.
  22. ^ truewrestling. "CERRO PELADO INTERNATIONAL- Havana, Cuba – True Wrestling". Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  23. ^ RossWB (2015-04-06). "IOWA BEATS THE WORLD AT AGON V". Black Heart Gold Pants. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  24. ^ BV (2015-06-14). "Kyle Dake Takes Second at World Team Trials at 74 KG". New York Wrestling News. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  25. ^ "Foley's Friday Mailbag: August 21, 2015". InterMat. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  26. ^ "Men's freestyle preview U.S. Senior Nationals/Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas". Team USA. December 16, 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-12-18.
  27. ^ "Dake beats Taylor for U.S. Open title at heavier weight". WIN Magazine. 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  28. ^ "Johnston, Kalika named women's freestyle coaches for 2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team". InterMat. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  29. ^ Steen, Alex (2016-05-17). "USA vs. Iran: USA needs every fan in attendance at the World Cup!". The Open Mat. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  30. ^ "Teenager Pico reaches finals of Olympic Team Trials". InterMat. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  31. ^ NJ.com, Bill Evans | NJ Advance Media for (2016-04-10). "Southern grad, No. 9 seed Molinaro wins Olympic Trials". nj. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  32. ^ Harris, Scott. "Top MMA Prospect Aaron Pico Targets Pro Debut in July, Wants James Gallagher". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
  33. ^ Tierney, Tom (26 June 2018). "Aaron Pico in Retrospect: Revisiting the "blue chip prospect"". The Body Lock. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
  34. ^ "Video Interview: Aaron Pico". YouTube. 17 April 2014.
  35. ^ ""MMA's Greatest Prospect" Joins Bellator MMA - Bellator MMA". Archived from the original on 2014-12-26.
  36. ^ ""The Next Jon Jones": Bellator Signs 18-Year-Old Prospect Aaron Pico to Long-Term Contract - Cagepotato". Archived from the original on 2017-05-29. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
  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.
  45. ^ "Bellator 206 results: Aaron Pico rolls over Leandro Higo". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  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.
  48. ^ Mike Bohn (June 14, 2019). "Bellator 222 results: Adam Borics turns tables on Aaron Pico with flying knee KO". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  49. ^ Farah Hannoun (December 3, 2019). "Adam Borics vs. Darrion Caldwell grand prix matchup set for Bellator 238". mmafighting.com.
  50. ^ "Bellator 238 results: Live 'Cyborg vs Budd' streaming play-by-play updates". MMAMania.com. January 25, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  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.
  52. ^ Anderson, Jay (2020-07-24). "Bellator 242 Results: Aaron Pico Pulls Off Quick Submission of Solo Hatley Jr". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  53. ^ "Brett Okamoto". ESPN. October 3, 2020.
  54. ^ Martin, Damon (2020-11-12). "Bellator 252 video: Aaron Pico demolishes John de Jesus with brutal overhand right". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  55. ^ Morgan, John (25 February 2021). "Aaron Pico targeted for return at Bellator 257 vs. England's Aiden Lee". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  56. ^ "Aaron Pico vs. Aiden Lee off Bellator 257; promotion eyes rebooking". MMA Junkie. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  57. ^ "Aaron Pico vs. Aiden Lee rebooked for Bellator 260 on June 11". MMA Junkie. 2021-05-25. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  58. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-06-11). "Bellator 260: Aaron Pico Puts Grappling in Spotlight with Latest Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-06-12.
  59. ^ "Sources: Pico, Gonzales agree for Bellator 271". ESPN.com. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2021-10-14.
  60. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-11-12). "Bellator 271: Aaron Pico Sees Scorecards for First Time, Is First to Beat Justin Gonzales". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  61. ^ "Aaron Pico set to return at Bellator 277 vs. ex-UFC fighter Jeremy Kennedy". MMA Junkie. 2022-02-17. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
  62. ^ Aaron Pico ready for stiffer tests at featherweight after sixth straight win | Bellator 277. MMAjunkie.com. April 16, 2022 – via YouTube.
  63. ^ "With Jeremy Kennedy out, Aaron Pico needs new opponent for Bellator 277". MMA Junkie. 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2022-04-07.
  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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  66. ^ Okamoto, Brett (2022-08-09). "Bellator rebooks Pico-Kennedy bout for October". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  67. ^ Dewar, Val (2022-10-01). "Bellator 286: Aaron Pico Dislocates Shoulder, Jeremy Kennedy Picks Up TKO Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
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  69. ^ "Aaron Pico returns from shoulder injury vs. Otto Rodrigues at Bellator 295". MMA Junkie. 2023-03-13. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
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  82. ^ "FLASH: Pico wins bronze at Senior-level Soslan Andiev International in Russia". Team USA. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014.
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  87. ^ Sherdog.com. "Aaron Pico MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
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