Aaron Pico Explained

Aaron Pico
Birth Name:Aaron Pico
Birth Date:23 September 1996
Birth Place:Whittier, California, U.S.
Residence:Whittier, California, U.S.
Height:5 ft 8 in
Weight:145lb
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)
Weight Class:Lightweight (155 lbs) (2017)
Featherweight (145 lbs) (2017–present)
Reach In:70+1/2
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)
Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2019–present)[2]
Rank:Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Alencar[3]
Wrestling:Olympic Freestyle Wrestling[4]
Greco-Roman Wrestling[5]
Years Active:2017–present
Mma Kowin:9
Mma Subwin:2
Mma Decwin:2
Mma Koloss:3
Mma Subloss:1
Sherdog:191127
Show-Medals:yes

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

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.

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. 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.[14] Before his MMA debut, Pico explained:[15]

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.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] In October, he placed third at the prestigious Soslan Andiev International in Russia. 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.[19]

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.[20] 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.[21] In April 6, Pico fell to Dan Hodge Trophy winner Brent Metcalf in a dual meet against Iowa.[22] 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.[23] In August, Pico placed third at the Junior World Championships, bringing a bronze medal to the United States.[24] 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.[25] [26]

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.[27] [28] 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.[29] After defeating Molinaro first round, Pico was downed twice in razor close matches, losing his opportunity of becoming an Olympian at age 19.[30] This was Pico's last wrestling match before transitioning into MMA.[31] 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.[32]

Mixed martial arts career

Pico signed an endorsement contract 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.[33] [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

|-|Win|align=center|13–4|Henry Corrales|TKO (punches)|PFL vs. Bellator ||align=center|1|align=center|4:53 |Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ||-|Win|align=center|12–4|Pedro Carvalho|TKO (punches)|Bellator 299||align=center|1|align=center|3:05|Dublin, Ireland||-|Win|align=center|11–4|James Gonzalez|Decision (unanimous)|Bellator 295||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States||-|Loss|align=center|10–4|Jeremy Kennedy|TKO (shoulder injury)|Bellator 286||align=center|1|align=center|5:00|Long Beach, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|10–3|Adli Edwards|TKO (punches)|Bellator 277||align=center|3|align=center|0:55|San Jose, California, United States||-| Win| align=center| 9–3| Justin Gonzales| Decision (unanimous)| Bellator 271| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Hollywood, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center|8–3|Aiden Lee|Submission (anaconda choke)|Bellator 260||align=center|3|align=center|1:33|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Win|align=center|7–3|John de Jesus |KO (punch)|Bellator 252||align=center|2|align=center|4:12|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Win|align=center|6–3|Chris Hatley|Submission (rear-naked choke)|Bellator 242||align=center|1|align=center|2:10|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States||-|Win|align=center|5–3|Daniel Carey|KO (punch)|Bellator 238||align=center|2|align=center|0:15|Inglewood, California, United States||-|Loss|align=center|4–3|Ádám Borics |TKO (flying knee and punches)|Bellator 222||align=center| 2|align=center| 3:55|New York City, New York, United States||-|Loss|align=center|4–2|Henry Corrales|KO (punches)|Bellator 214||align=center|1|align=center|1:07|Inglewood, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|4–1|Leandro Higo|TKO (punches)|Bellator 206||align=center|1|align=center|3:19|San Jose, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|3–1|Lee Morrison|TKO (punches)|Bellator 199||align=center|1|align=center|1:10|San Jose, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|2–1|Shane Kruchten|KO (punch to the body)|Bellator 192||align=center|1|align=center|0:37|Inglewood, California, United States||-|Win|align=center|1–1|Justin Linn|KO (punch)|Bellator 183||align=center|1|align=center|3:45|San Jose, California, United States||-|Loss |align=center|0–1|Zach Freeman|Submission (guillotine choke) |Bellator 180 | |align=center|1|align=center|0:24|New York City, New York, United States |[87]

Freestyle record

! colspan="7"| Senior Freestyle Matches|-! Res.! Record! Opponent! Score! Date! Event! Location|-! style=background:white colspan=7 | |-|Loss|40–14|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|4–4|style="font-size:88%"rowspan=6|April 9–10, 2016|style="font-size:88%"rowspan=6|2016 US Olympic Team Trials|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6| Iowa City, Iowa|-|Loss|40–13|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|3–4|-|Win|40–12|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|4–2|-|Win|39–12|align=left| Reece Humphrey|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–1|-|Win|38–12|align=left| Jordan Oliver|style="font-size:88%"|11–9|-|Win|37–12|align=left| Jayson Ness|style="font-size:88%"|TF 20–9|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Win|36–12|align=left| Davit Tlashadze |style="font-size:88%"|10–5|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|February 18–19, 2016 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2016 Alexander Medved Prizes Ranking Series|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5| Minsk, Belarus|-|Loss|35–12|align=left| Zurabi Iakobishvili|style="font-size:88%"|3–5|-|Win|35–11|align=left| Andrei Karpach|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–0|-|Win|34–11|align=left| Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0|-|Win|33–11|align=left| Kanat Musabekov|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Loss|32–11|align=left| Valter Margaryan|style="font-size:88%"||style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|February 13–14, 2016 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|XXth Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3| Kiev, Ukraine|-|Loss|32–10|align=left| Saeed Dadashpour|style="font-size:88%"|3–7|-|Win|32–9|align=left| Nazar Kulchytskyy|style="font-size:88%"|6–2|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Loss|31–9|align=left| Reece Humphrey|style="font-size:88%"|TF 0–10|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|December 17–19, 2015 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2015 US Senior National Championships|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6| Las Vegas, Nevada|-|Win|31–8|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|14–5|-|Loss|30–8|align=left| Logan Stieber|style="font-size:88%"|5–13|-|Win|30–7|align=left| Kellen Russell|style="font-size:88%"|10–3|-|Win|29–7|align=left| Justin Feldman|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0|-|Win|28–7|align=left| Nick Dardanes|style="font-size:88%"|6–0|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Win|27–7|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|7–4|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=7|November 5–7, 2015 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=7|2015 Bill Farrell International Open|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=7| New York City, New York|-|Win|26–7|align=left| Jason Chamberlain|style="font-size:88%"|11–4|-|Win|25–7|align=left| Nazar Kulchytskyy|style="font-size:88%"|8–2|-|Win|24–7|align=left| Kendric Maple|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0|-|Loss|23–7|align=left| Frank Molinaro|style="font-size:88%"|2–4|-|Win|23–6|align=left| Filip Stefanov|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0|-|Win|22–6|align=left| Mario Mason|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Loss|21–6|align=left| Azamat Omurzhanov|style="font-size:88%"|4–4|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|October 16–18, 2015|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2015 Intercontinental Cup|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5| Khasavyurt, Russia|-|Loss|21–5|align=left| Amir Berukov|style="font-size:88%"|8–12|-|Win|21–4|align=left| Abutalim Gamzaev|style="font-size:88%"|13–9|-|Win|20–4|align=left| Magomed Khizriev|style="font-size:88%"|11–9|-|Win|19–4|align=left| Arsen Gusbanov|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0|-|Loss|18–4|align=left| Brent Metcalf|style="font-size:88%"|3–5|style="font-size:88%"|April 6, 2015|style="font-size:88%"|2015 Agon V|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" | Cedar Rapids, Iowa|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Win|18–3|align=left| Reece Humphrey|style="font-size:88%"|6–0|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|February 11–15, 2015 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2015 Granma y Cerro Pelado International|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4| Havana, Cuba|-|Win|17–3|align=left| Alejandro Valdés|style="font-size:88%"|5–2|-|Win|16–3|align=left| Franklin Maren|style="font-size:88%"|1–1|-|Win|15–3|align=left| Matheus Frota|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0|-! style=background:white colspan=7 | |-|Loss|14–3|align=left| Akhmed Chakaev|style="font-size:88%"|3–6|style="font-size:88%"|January 22–26, 2015|style="font-size:88%"|Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2015|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" | Krasnoyarsk, Russia|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Win|14–2|align=left| Devid Safaryan|style="font-size:88%"|7–5|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|November 28–29, 2014 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2014 Henri Deglane Challenge|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5| Nice, France|-|Win|13–2|align=left| Davit Berdznishvili|style="font-size:88%"|10–5|-|Win|11–2|align=left| Maxime Fiquet|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–0|-|Win|10–2|align=left| Ruslan Mukhtarov|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4|-|Win|9–2|align=left| Bruno Lawson|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Win|8–2|align=left||style="font-size:88%"|TF|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|October 24, 2014 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2014 Soslan Andiev International|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5| Vladikavkaz, Russia|-|Win|7–2|align=left||style="font-size:88%"|TF |-|Win|6–2|align=left||style="font-size:88%"|TF|-|Loss|5–2|align=left| Magomed Khizriev|style="font-size:88%"||-|Win|5–1|align=left||style="font-size:88%"|TF|-! style=background:white colspan=7 ||-|Loss|4–1|align=left| Frank Chamizo|style="font-size:88%"|2–4|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|July 5, 2014 |style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2014 Grand Prix of Spain|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4| Madrid, Spain|-|Win|4–0|align=left| Lee Seung-bong|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0|-|Win|3–0|align=left| Abdollahpour Gholamreza|style="font-size:88%"|9–1|-|Win|2–0|align=left| Rodrigue Lawson Massamba|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–0|-|Win|1–0|align=left| Alibeggadzhi Emeev|style="font-size:88%"|8–0|style="font-size:88%"|November 16, 2013|style="font-size:88%"|2013 USA vs. Russia Dual Meet I|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" | Clifton Park, New York|-

See also

References

  1. Web site: Aaron Pico talks simplified approach for Bellator return, sparring with Miguel Cotto. Alexander K. Lee. September 22, 2017. mmafighting.com.
  2. Web site: Sources: Prospect Pico to JacksonWink MMA. Marc Raimondi. May 7, 2019. espn.com.
  3. Web site: Earned not given. Thank you @tussagb for blue belt. . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/aaronpicousa/2194004532565169916 . 2021-12-25 . registration. Instagram. aaronpicousa. December 7, 2019.
  4. News: 'Nothing is off the table' for Bellator standout Aaron Pico – even a run at 2020 Olympics . mmajunkie.com. Steven Marrocco. January 19, 2019.
  5. Web site: Aaron Pico. Cal Grappler. 10 August 2013. March 19, 2020.
  6. Web site: Tierney. Tom. Aaron Pico in Retrospect: Revisiting the "blue chip prospect". 2021-04-06. thebodylockmma.com. 26 June 2018. en-US.
  7. Web site: Ex-wrestlers Pico, Caldwell winners at Bellator 238. 2021-04-06. InterMat.
  8. https://www.ocregister.com/2019/06/12/aaron-pico-learning-how-to-fight-and-be-like-a-ferrari/ OC Register - Aaron Pico learning How to Fight and Be Like a Ferrari
  9. Web site: AKA's Bob Cook: Aaron Pico is greatest MMA prospect I've ever seen. Dave Meltzer. mmafighting.com. January 4, 2014.
  10. Web site: 2014-01-15. Bosco phenom Aaron Pico is on the cusp of history. 2021-04-06. Orange County Register. en-US.
  11. Web site: Bosco's Aaron Pico is wrestling champ. 2021-04-06. The Downey Patriot. 7 March 2013 . en-US.
  12. Web site: 2013-08-27. 2013 FILA Cadet World Championships Recap: Pico captured gold in freestyle at Zrenjanin, Serbia. 2021-04-06. WIN Magazine. en-US.
  13. Web site: November 25, 2013. Relive Aaron Pico's Senior level debut. dead. Team USA. https://web.archive.org/web/20140301232932/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2013/November/25/Aaron-Picos-Senior-Level-Debut . 2014-03-01 .
  14. Web site: 2014-01-06. St. John Bosco sophomore Aaron Pico, the nation's top wrestler, will forego high school, college wrestling after turning pro. 2021-04-06. Press Telegram. en-US.
  15. Web site: 2017-06-22. Billed as the top prospect in MMA history, Aaron Pico will make his MMA debut Saturday at Madison Square Garden. 2021-04-07. Press Enterprise. en-US.
  16. Web site: PennLive. Jim Carlson Special to. 2014-05-31. Penn State wrestler Zain Retherford places 2nd in FILA World Team Trials. 2021-04-06. pennlive. en.
  17. Web site: FLASH: Pico wins bronze at Senior-level Soslan Andiev International in Russia. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141027184833/http://www.teamusa.org:80/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/October/24/Pico-wins-Senior-level-bronze-in-Russia . 2014-10-27 .
  18. Web site: Bellator NYC: Aaron Pico Greatest Hits - FloCombat. 2021-04-06. www.flocombat.com. 21 June 2017 . en.
  19. Web site: R. Coach Mike. 2014-11-30. Bellator signee Aaron Pico defeats world champ. 2021-04-06. Bloody Elbow. en.
  20. Web site: January 24, 2015. UPDATE: Metcalf wins silver medal at Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix in Russia. dead. Team USA. https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115557/http://www.teamusa.org:80/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/January/24/Metcalf-wins-silver-medal-at-Yarygin-Grand-Prix . 2015-01-28 .
  21. Web site: truewrestling. CERRO PELADO INTERNATIONAL- Havana, Cuba – True Wrestling. 2021-04-06. en-US.
  22. Web site: RossWB. 2015-04-06. IOWA BEATS THE WORLD AT AGON V. 2021-04-06. Black Heart Gold Pants. en.
  23. Web site: BV. 2015-06-14. Kyle Dake Takes Second at World Team Trials at 74 KG. 2021-04-07. New York Wrestling News. en-us.
  24. Web site: Foley's Friday Mailbag: August 21, 2015. 2021-04-07. InterMat.
  25. Web site: December 16, 2015. Men's freestyle preview U.S. Senior Nationals/Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas. dead. Team USA. https://web.archive.org/web/20151218040254/http://www.teamusa.org:80/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/December/16/Mens-freestyle-preview-for-Las-Vegas . 2015-12-18 .
  26. Web site: 2015-12-22. Dake beats Taylor for U.S. Open title at heavier weight. 2021-04-07. WIN Magazine. en-US.
  27. Web site: Johnston, Kalika named women's freestyle coaches for 2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team. 2021-04-07. InterMat.
  28. Web site: Steen. Alex. 2016-05-17. USA vs. Iran: USA needs every fan in attendance at the World Cup!. 2021-04-07. The Open Mat. en-US.
  29. Web site: Teenager Pico reaches finals of Olympic Team Trials. 2021-04-07. InterMat.
  30. Web site: NJ.com. Bill Evans NJ Advance Media for. 2016-04-10. Southern grad, No. 9 seed Molinaro wins Olympic Trials. 2021-04-07. nj. en.
  31. Web site: Harris. Scott. Top MMA Prospect Aaron Pico Targets Pro Debut in July, Wants James Gallagher. 2021-04-07. Bleacher Report. en.
  32. Web site: Tierney. Tom. Aaron Pico in Retrospect: Revisiting the "blue chip prospect". 2020-07-16. The Body Lock. 26 June 2018 . en-US.
  33. Web site: Aaron Pico to wear Nike wrestling boots in pursuit of his dreams!. Athlete Performance Solutions.
  34. Web site: Video Interview: Aaron Pico. YouTube. 17 April 2014 .
  35. Web site: "MMA's Greatest Prospect" Joins Bellator MMA - Bellator MMA . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226112056/http://www.bellator.com/articles/aaron-pico-joins-bellator-mma . 2014-12-26 .
  36. Web site: "The Next Jon Jones": Bellator Signs 18-Year-Old Prospect Aaron Pico to Long-Term Contract - Cagepotato. 2014-12-26. 2017-05-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20170529115916/http://www.cagepotato.com/the-next-jon-jones-bellator-signs-18-year-old-prospect-aaron-pico-to-long-term-contract/. dead.
  37. News: Bellator NYC results: Huge underdog Zach Freeman chokes out Aaron Pico in 24 seconds. 2017-06-25. MMAjunkie. 2017-06-25. en-US.
  38. Web site: Aaron Pico drops down to featherweight for second fight, meets Justin Linn at Bellator 183. mmafighting.com. Alexander K. Lee. September 5, 2017.
  39. Web site: Bellator 192's Aaron Pico's fight day: Cold-pressed juice, grass-fed meats and church. mmajunkie.com. Fernanda Prates. January 18, 2018.
  40. Web site: Bellator 192 results: Aaron Pico scores 37-second KO with body shot. mmajunkie.com. Mike Bohn. January 20, 2018.
  41. Web site: Video: Aaron Pico disintegrates Shane Kruchten with body punch at Bellator 192. 20 January 2018.
  42. Web site: Aaron Pico returns against Lee Morrison at Bellator 199. mmafighting.com. Guilherme Cruz. April 3, 2018.
  43. Web site: Bellator 199 results: Aaron Pico lands huge body shot for second straight TKO victory. mmajunkie.com. Simon Samano. May 12, 2018.
  44. Web site: Elite prospect Aaron Pico matched up with Leandro Higo at Bellator 206 . Sherdog.com . 2018-08-29.
  45. News: Bellator 206 results: Aaron Pico rolls over Leandro Higo. MMA Fighting. 2018-09-30.
  46. Web site: Bellator 214 results: Henry Corrales rebounds, knocks out Aaron Pico in stunning fashion. mmajunkie.com. Steven Marrocco. 2019-01-26. 2019-01-28.
  47. Web site: Aaron Pico to fight unbeaten Adam Borics at Bellator 222. Alexander K. Lee. May 12, 2019. mmafighting.com.
  48. Web site: Bellator 222 results: Adam Borics turns tables on Aaron Pico with flying knee KO. MMAjunkie.com. Mike Bohn. June 14, 2019. January 27, 2020.
  49. Web site: Adam Borics vs. Darrion Caldwell grand prix matchup set for Bellator 238. Farah Hannoun. mmafighting.com. December 3, 2019.
  50. Web site: Bellator 238 results: Live 'Cyborg vs Budd' streaming play-by-play updates. MMAMania.com. January 25, 2020. January 25, 2020.
  51. Web site: Newswire. MMA Fighting. 2020-07-15. Bellator 242 official for July 24, full card announced including return of Aaron Pico. 2020-07-16. MMA Fighting. en.
  52. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2020-07-24. Bellator 242 Results: Aaron Pico Pulls Off Quick Submission of Solo Hatley Jr.. 2020-07-25. Cageside Press. en-US.
  53. Web site: Brett Okamoto. ESPN. October 3, 2020.
  54. Web site: Martin. Damon. 2020-11-12. Bellator 252 video: Aaron Pico demolishes John de Jesus with brutal overhand right. 2021-05-25. MMA Fighting. en.
  55. Web site: Morgan . John . Aaron Pico targeted for return at Bellator 257 vs. England's Aiden Lee . MMA Junkie . 27 February 2021 . 25 February 2021.
  56. Web site: Aaron Pico vs. Aiden Lee off Bellator 257; promotion eyes rebooking . MMA Junkie . 4 April 2021 . 4 April 2021.
  57. Web site: 2021-05-25. Aaron Pico vs. Aiden Lee rebooked for Bellator 260 on June 11. 2021-05-25. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  58. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2021-06-11. Bellator 260: Aaron Pico Puts Grappling in Spotlight with Latest Win. 2021-06-12. Cageside Press. en-US.
  59. Web site: 2021-10-14. Sources: Pico, Gonzales agree for Bellator 271. 2021-10-14. ESPN.com. en.
  60. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2021-11-12. Bellator 271: Aaron Pico Sees Scorecards for First Time, Is First to Beat Justin Gonzales. 2021-11-13. Cageside Press. en-US.
  61. Web site: 2022-02-17. Aaron Pico set to return at Bellator 277 vs. ex-UFC fighter Jeremy Kennedy. 2022-02-17. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  62. Aaron Pico ready for stiffer tests at featherweight after sixth straight win Bellator 277. April 16, 2022. YouTube. MMAjunkie.com.
  63. Web site: 2022-04-07 . With Jeremy Kennedy out, Aaron Pico needs new opponent for Bellator 277 . 2022-04-07 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  64. Web site: 2022-04-08 . With Jeremy Kennedy out, Adli Edwards steps in to face Aaron Pico at Bellator 277 . 2022-04-08 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  65. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2022-04-15 . Bellator 277: Aaron Pico Lights Up Game Adli Edwards, Secures Finish in Third Round . 2022-04-16 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  66. Web site: Okamoto . Brett . 2022-08-09 . Bellator rebooks Pico-Kennedy bout for October . 2022-08-09 . ESPN.com . en.
  67. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2022-10-01 . Bellator 286: Aaron Pico Dislocates Shoulder, Jeremy Kennedy Picks Up TKO Win . 2022-10-02 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  68. Web site: Bohn . Mike . 2022-10-02 . Scott Coker updates Aaron Pico's health after Bellator 286, 'for sure' wants Jeremy Kennedy rematch . 2022-10-02 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  69. Web site: 2023-03-13 . Aaron Pico returns from shoulder injury vs. Otto Rodrigues at Bellator 295 . 2023-03-13 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  70. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2023-04-15 . Aaron Pico gets new opponent with James Gonzalez stepping up as replacement at Bellator 295 . 2023-04-15 . MMA Fighting . en.
  71. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2023-04-22 . Bellator 295: Aaron Pico Lays Beatdown on Durable James Gonzalez . 2023-04-23 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  72. Web site: Cruz . Guilherme . 2023-05-30 . Aaron Pico vs. Pedro Carvalho booked for Bellator Dublin . 2023-06-02 . MMA Fighting . en.
  73. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2023-09-23 . Bellator 299: Aaron Pico Blows Past Pedro Carvalho With First Round TKO . 2023-09-24 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  74. Web site: Latest PFL vs. Bellator 'Seize the Throne' fight card, rumors for Saudi Arabia event . mmamania.com . 24 January 2024 . en-US.
  75. Web site: Newswire . MMA Fighting . 2024-02-19 . Gabriel Braga vs. Patricio Pitbull set for PFL vs. Bellator, Aaron Pico expected to stay on card . 2024-02-20 . MMA Fighting . en.
  76. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2024-02-24 . PFL vs. Bellator: Aaron Pico Avenges Loss, TKOs Henry Corrales . 2024-02-25 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  77. Web site: Photos: Wrestler Aaron Pico, a Pio Pico descendant.
  78. Web site: Freestyle Wrestling World Cup - L.A.. 2020-06-22. www.facebook.com. en.
  79. CSPx_W_J52d. Aaron Pico. August 6, 2021. Hey guys just want to check in. Everything is going well! Been off social media for a little bit, Kylie and I had our son Valentino Pico July 31st! . aaronpicousa.
  80. News: Craig Sesker . Gray, Campbell, Pico and Bergman win Golds in Cuba. https://web.archive.org/web/20150214190410/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/February/14/USA-wins-four-more-golds-in-Cuba . dead . February 14, 2015 . November 16, 2022 . Team USA . February 14, 2015.
  81. Web site: UPDATE: Pico, Anthony, Maroulis win golds at Henri Deglane Challenge in France. https://web.archive.org/web/20141201195633/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/November/29/USA-wins-three-golds-at-Deglane-Challenge-in-France. dead. December 1, 2014. Team USA.
  82. Web site: FLASH: Pico wins bronze at Senior-level Soslan Andiev International in Russia. https://web.archive.org/web/20141027184833/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/October/24/Pico-wins-Senior-level-bronze-in-Russia. dead. October 27, 2014. Team USA.
  83. Web site: Tunisia's Amri Wins Grand Prix of Spain as Sweden, Kazakhstan Impress. 2014-12-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830062348/https://unitedworldwrestling.org/article/tunisias-amri-wins-grand-prix-of-spain-as-sweden-kazakhstan-impress. 2017-08-30. dead.
  84. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-12-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212653/http://www.fightleague.org/uploads/2008_USPankChampionships.pdf . 2016-03-03 . dead .
  85. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-12-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924012638/http://www.fightleague.org/uploads/2009_CAStateChampionships.pdf . 2015-09-24 . dead .
  86. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-12-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195032/http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/European.pdf . 2015-09-23 . dead .
  87. Web site: Aaron Pico MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com. Sherdog.com. Sherdog. 2018-09-30.

External links