Bellator Knockout Artist With Ridiculous Finish Rate Jumps To UFC, Shakes Up Featherweight Division

Former Bellator Featherweight contender Aaron Pico is now an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter.

MMAMania.com has confirmed with multiple sources that UFC has signed Pico to a multi-fight deal, and his debut is currently being planned.

ESPN was the first to break the news today on social media.

Pico (13-4) has been a highly touted prospect throughout his career, which he spent entirely with Bellator. He stumbled in his professional debut, suffering a submission loss in just 24 seconds, but quickly recovered with an impressive run of five consecutive first-round knockouts.

The former Olympic wrestling hopeful later endured his first back-to-back losses, finished by Henry Corrales (watch it) and Adam Borics (see it here) Undeterred, Pico bounced back with another streak of six finishes.

In a No. 1 contender bout against Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator 286, Pico suffered a severe shoulder injury, leading to a doctor stoppage. Since recovering, the 28-year-old has rattled off three straight wins, including a first-round stoppage of Corrales in his most recent fight, avenging an earlier defeat (watch highlights)

Pico’s UFC debut matchup will hinge on the terms of his new contract. A lucrative deal could land him a Top 15 opponent, if not, the promotion could line him up with a fun matchup, such as Edson Barboza, so that he can shine.

On Sunday, reports surfaced of Pico facing No. 4-ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev on May 17, but MMAMania.com has confirmed that fight is not taking place.

What say you, Maniacs? Who should Pico fight in his highly anticipated UFC debut?

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