Aaron Pico, a featherweight fighter, has made an incredibly fast recovery from a major shoulder injury, and is determined to claim the championship in 2023.
Aaron Pico has always been regarded as an exceptional athlete, but his speedy recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during a fight against Jeremy Kennedy managed to defy the odds. During the opening round, it became evident that something was wrong with Pico’s shoulder. Despite getting the shoulder back in place, the ringside physician refused to allow him to continue, and the fight was stopped after five minutes. This marked a disappointing end to the biggest fight of Pico’s career after he put together a six-fight winning streak to get into title contention. However, Pico refused to let this setback defeat him.
Pico recalls discussing the fight with Scott Coker and his manager Ali Abdelaziz, who reassured him that they did not count this as a loss. Pico focused on recovering from the shoulder injury, figuring out the best way to regain his strength, and researching when he would be able to get back in the ring. Despite facing some dark moments, Pico remained determined to recover and return to fighting. He attacked his rehabilitation with the same intensity as his training camps, and when he returned for a checkup, his doctor was astonished by his swift recovery, given the severity of the injury and subsequent surgery.
Following shoulder surgery six months earlier, Pico’s return at Bellator 295 may have seemed rushed to some, yet he insists that he is not rushing his recovery. In fact, Pico feels stronger now than before the injury. He attributes his speedy rehab to diligently focusing on every aspect of his recovery, including sleep, diet, and listening to his therapist and doctor. His left hook feels stronger than ever, according to his coach.
Since making his professional debut, Pico has been hailed as a future champion, but there have been obstacles along the way. The shoulder injury could have been another setback to make Pico feel like his career was faltering. However, he remains confident that a win in his upcoming fight will position him where he wants to be in the featherweight division. Pico has high expectations for himself, with plans to claim a championship before the end of 2023.