Aaron Pico, a featherweight contender, is determined to leave the PFL and join the UFC, even if it means sitting out for a year due to the PFL’s retention of matching rights on his contract.
Aaron Pico is in a bit of a pickle. He craves freedom, and he’s ready to sit out for a year if that’s what it takes to get it. Sounds intense, right? The featherweight contender has just finished his contract with the PFL, stepping into the world of free agency. But there’s a catch—PFL holds matching rights. So, even if Pico signs with the UFC, PFL could pull him back by matching the offer.
On Tuesday, PFL co-founder Donn Davis addressed Pico’s plea for release. He confirmed that PFL isn’t letting go of those matching rights anytime soon. “Love Aaron Pico,” Davis tweeted. “But PFL’s not holding him back.” A classic case of industry standard contracts, he says.
After hearing Davis’ stance, Pico stood firm. He’s adamant about moving on from the PFL. “I’m not fighting for the PFL,” Pico told MMA Fighting. He’s willing to wait it out for a year if needed. Money’s not an issue; he’s got good investments and just wants to fight.
This passion runs deep for Pico. Wrestling since he was four, boxing later—it’s all he ever wanted. He just wants to show he’s the best fighter out there. His manager Ali Abdelaziz is in his corner, but if waiting is part of the game plan, so be it.
Pico’s journey hasn’t been smooth lately. Despite trying everything to compete this past year, his last fight was in February 2024. After winning against Henry Corrales in Saudi Arabia, he was promised a title shot against Bellator champ Patricio Pitbull.
Things got messy after that promise. Pico was supposed to fight Pitbull in September in California—so he prepared. Then silence… followed by cancellation. They wanted him on another card instead. It was a rollercoaster of yeses and nos—three canceled fights in total.
The constant cancellations have been frustrating for Pico. Training camps are long and grueling, yet unpaid when fights fall through. His contract initially signed with Bellator before PFL took over has reached its end.
Pico explained that he signed a seven-fight deal over 30 months but only got five fights. In his eyes, it’s a breach of contract, though he’s not eager to take legal action. Simplicity is key—he just wants full release without matching clauses.
News of Pico’s free agency caught UFC CEO Dana White’s attention too. At 28, Pico’s at his peak with three wins in a row and a strong record despite past injuries.
Pico longs to test himself against top featherweights—something he believes only UFC can offer now. But with Davis holding firm on matching rights, Pico’s digging in his heels for what he believes is right.
“I’m not fighting for them again,” says Pico about PFL. He’s uncertain about their plans and unwilling to badmouth anyone involved—it’s business after all.
For now, Pico waits and hopes for an amicable resolution without legal battles. He’s done everything asked of him but faced repeated cancellations beyond his control.
Ultimately, Pico desires freedom—to fight where he feels most challenged and fulfilled: the UFC octagon awaits!