In a shock announcement, rising MMA star Aaron Pico has declared he will never fight for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) again, even if it means sitting out for an entire year. The 28-year-old featherweight, considered one of the top prospects in the sport, is steadfast in his desire to sign with the UFC. But a matching rights clause in his PFL contract threatens to keep him caged.
Pico’s PFL Predicament
Pico’s MMA journey began in Bellator, where he inked a developmental deal in 2014, three years before his pro debut. The standout wrestler and boxer compiled a 13-4 record with nine knockouts under the Bellator banner. But the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in late 2023 left Pico feeling shortchanged.
“If they match it, then I’m with the PFL and I’ll sit out one year. I don’t want to fight for the PFL. If that means me sitting out, then I’ll do it.”
– Aaron Pico to ESPN
Since the PFL takeover, Pico has competed just once, lamenting three canceled bouts in that span. The California native, who trains out of JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque, cites a loss of trust in the PFL as the driving force behind his hardline stance. Even if the PFL exercises its right to match any offer he receives, Pico vows to never step into their cage again.
Contractual Chaos
Pico isn’t alone in his discontent. Several other ex-Bellator fighters have publicly aired their grievances with the PFL:
- Gegard Mousasi and Patricio Pitbull, both former champs, secured releases
- Bantamweight titleholder Patchy Mix has requested to be let go
- Many cite lack of fights as a primary complaint
PFL co-founder Donn Davis defended the promotion’s stance, calling the matching rights clause “standard business.” But for fighters like Pico, who says he hasn’t “been able to work,” those contractual handcuffs are unacceptable.
Eyeing the Octagon
Pico’s ultimate goal is crystal clear: to compete in the UFC’s featherweight division. Widely regarded as one of the best featherweights outside the UFC, his highlight-reel style seems tailor-made for the Octagon. But will his refusal to fight for the PFL, even in the short term, stall his momentum?
The PFL’s 2025 season brings a major shift from its signature regular season/playoff format to a more traditional single-elimination tournament structure. Would Pico be better served taking part, keeping active and auditioning for the UFC brass? Or does his principled stand against the PFL send a necessary message about fighter empowerment?
The Road Ahead
As the MMA world awaits Pico’s fate, several key questions emerge:
- Will the UFC look to buy out Pico’s PFL contract?
- Could a protracted legal battle ensue?
- Might Pico’s unyielding opposition backfire?
For now, one of the sport’s most promising young stars remains in limbo, steadfast in his convictions yet facing an uncertain future. The Aaron Pico sweepstakes are underway, but mired in contractual complexity that could keep him caged far longer than any opponent has managed thus far.
