Nike Became Obstacle For Wrestler-Turned-UFC Star Joining Penn State After Olympics

“A conventional way, anything but that” that’s how the teenage wrestling prodigy thought. His wrestling career was anything but ordinary. After stunning the whole wrestling world by skipping college to pursue Olympic glory and a deal with Nike. The unconventional path picked by him eventually led to MMA, where he continues to make his mark. Fellow wrestler and now UFC star Bo Nickal recalls the pivotal moments that defined Aaron Pico’s career and how Nike shaped his decisions.

For most elite wrestlers, college programs like Penn State are stepping stones to greatness. However, Aaron Pico had a different plan. Bo Nickal, who also transitioned to MMA after an illustrious wrestling career, shared an insightful conversation he had with Pico on his podcast, Nickals and Dimes. “I remember asking him one day, ‘Why wouldn’t you just wrestle in college first? Like, Penn State is right there.’ And he just looked at me and said, ‘I can’t. It’s not part of the plan.’ I was like, ‘What plan?’ And he went on to explain how everything was lined up for him to go straight to the Olympics.”

Unlike most teenagers, Aaron Pico had clarity and determination. At just 15, he chose to leave the collegiate wrestling path behind, and the Nike deal was key to his dreams as it provided financial independence. Pico has a broader plan, which didn’t include NCAA competition, that many considered essential. Opting instead for an unprecedented route, he prioritized his Olympic dreams.

In 2014, Pico signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Nike and it became a defining factor in his career, making the traditional collegiate path unnecessary. Bo recalled, “He said, ‘I signed with Nike, and it’s all set. College wrestling isn’t even an option for me.’ I didn’t even know how to respond to that. Like, a Nike deal at that age? That’s unheard of in wrestling.”

Aaron Pico’s new path was rewarding

For Aaron Pico, Nike wasn’t just a sponsor; it was an enabler. The deal offered financial stability and allowed him to focus solely on his Olympic preparation, even if it meant skipping a powerhouse program like Penn State. In 2016, Pico competed at 65 kilograms and stood at the second position at U.S. Olympic Team Trails. Not only has he won many accolades, including 2 times Junior World Championship Medalist, in June 2017, Pico made his professional MMA debut.

Bellator was quick to judge Pico and signed him into a long-term contract. Pico’s MMA journey till now includes 10 wins, 4 losses at best, where 7 wins turned out to be the result of knockout, 2 by submission and one by tap out. For the first round of the highlight reel, Pico made $50,000 ($25,000 win + $25,000 via show). Which is crazy!

And it all happened with one decision made by him at that young age! Bo Nickal described his awe at Aaron Pico’s foresight: “He was just so different from everyone else. Like, the dude had everything planned out at 15 years old. I mean, who does that? At 15, most of us were just trying to figure out high school wrestling. But Pico? He was already on a path to the Olympics, signing deals, mapping out his future.”

Aaron Pico’s journey is a testament to bold decisions and unwavering vision. While his Nike deal may have been an obstacle to college wrestling, it pushed him toward his Olympic and MMA dreams, something he always wanted! What do you think about it? Comment below!