“The UFC fans haven’t seen me yet. I think that’s a whole different ballgame. I’m excited.” Aaron Pico recently quipped as he radiated with confidence and intent to take over the featherweight division. For the unversed, the MMA juggernaut first laid eyes on the Olympic hopeful in 2014. This is when the former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta wrote to AKA’s Bob Cook and informed that the UFC would like to sign Pico under their development programme, considering the prodigy was only 17 at that time. However, Pico landed in Scott Coker’s Bellator and made his debut in 2017. But this fairy tale did not open on a positive note as Pico went on to suffer a 24-second loss in his Bellator debut against Zach Freeman.

But champions always find a way to come back! And this is what Pico, who many call “maybe the greatest prospect in MMA history,” did. The Californian has fought 10 times in the last 5 years and has only lost once (that too in a freak injury) against Jeremy Kennedy. It is safe to say that the UFC has wanted to sign Pico for years. This opportunity came in the form of PFL dismantling Bellator and many promotional stars leaving the company. Pico also followed suit and announced his free agency earlier this year. And in no time, Dana White signed the former Bellator superstar. And he’s ready to conquer the best!

And when we say best, the name of the former 145lbs kingpin Ilia Topuria comes to mind. Undefeated throughout his career, ‘La Leyenda’ showcased elite skills, especially in boxing. With crisp, precise, and powerful striking, Topuria has knocked out legends like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, cementing himself as one of the most dangerous men in the sport. The Georgian Spaniard’s evolution has even caught the attention of Aaron Pico during his time in Bellator.

In an interview with TMZ in 2024, the Californian said, “I would love to box Ilia Topuria. I think that would be crazy. He’s a great boxer, I’m a great boxer. Twelve rounds in the boxing ring. I think the fans would love it. I’d be open to that.” Pico’s mindset hasn’t changed, even after a year. Despite never holding an MMA title, he remains confident that one year is all he needs to claim UFC gold—and maybe prove something even bigger: that his hands are sharper than the former champ himself.

During a Q&A session after the UFC 316 presser, he doubled down on his vision. “I think I could be a champion within a year. I know that’s a bold prediction, but I truly feel it. Ask Freddie Roach. Ask Miguel Cotto. Ask Jose Ramirez, Ryan Garcia. They all know that I can box.” Pico didn’t shy away from praising Topuria, but he made his stance clear. “Topuria has really, really good hands, but I don’t think it’s at my level if I’m just being completely honest.”

Pico believes his boxing power translates anywhere and that fans crave exactly what he brings to the table. “I think it helps in any division. Whenever I hit somebody, they go down. It helps you out. I’m really known for my hands, and that’s what people like to see. They like to see people getting demolished by punches, and that’s what I’m here to do.”

The 2015 Cerro Pelado International champion built his name through wrestling, but his striking power is undeniable. Out of his 13 career wins, nine have come by knockout is proof that he packs serious power in his hands. Whether that power surpasses Topuria’s remains to be seen. Pico will need to prove himself in the UFC. His expected clash with Movsar Evloev didn’t materialize, leaving him waiting for a big debut. So, to back up his bold claims, he must first face a tough lineup of featherweight names like Brian Ortega, Josh Emmett, Jean Silva, and Diego Lopes.

His next opponent hasn’t been announced yet, but fans are already watching closely. While the UFC has kept things under wraps, Pico gave us a timeline. He hinted at when he plans to return and when he’ll finally show the world what he’s truly capable of. Let’s see!

Aaron Pico expects to debut in the UFC in June or July 2025

Aaron Pico was set to face Movsar Evloev, a top featherweight contender, in his UFC debut. But the fight fell through. According to him, Evloev’s team didn’t think it was the right time to face a rising prospect. Still, the former Bellator fighter won’t have an easy path to the title. The featherweight division remains stacked with talent, as there are many names already in the mix.

So, when will Pico step into the Octagon? The original scheduled fight was targeted for May. Not having to fight over a year, now, he believes June or July would be the perfect time to make his UFC debut. During an interview with Submission Radio, Aaron Pico said, “Ideally, it would be June, July. I was ready to step into the cage next month. But obviously that didn’t happen. As soon as possible, I mean, it’s been over a year, I haven’t fought. So, I’m like, come on. Let’s get something going. But, from the UFC, what I was told, that tomorrow (interview is from 14th April) and get something lined up. So, I’m hoping June or July.”

Do you think Aaron Pico can beat Ilia Topuria in a fight? Please comment below.