Aaron Pico is set on gaining his freedom from the PFL, and he’s willing to wait another year, even during his peak fighting years, to achieve it.
Recently, the promising featherweight contender finished his contract with the PFL and became a free agent. However, PFL still holds matching rights. This means if Pico signs with the UFC, his preferred destination, the PFL has the option to match the UFC’s offer, forcing him to remain with PFL.
Donn Davis, co-founder of the PFL, responded to Pico’s request for release, confirming that the organization intends to keep their matching rights and will not waive them.
Davis mentioned his respect for Pico as a fighter and person, stating that PFL isn’t preventing him from signing with the UFC. He clarified that Pico can sign with the UFC, and then PFL will decide whether to match the offer, which Davis described as standard practice in MMA contracts.
After hearing Davis’s comments, Pico reiterated his firm decision to move on from the PFL, emphasizing that nothing will change his mind.
Pico stated clearly that he will not fight for the PFL again. He is prepared to wait a year to become completely free, saying he is financially stable and his passion is fighting. He expressed gratitude for his investments and emphasized his love for the sport.
He feels fighting is his calling, stemming from his early involvement in wrestling and boxing. Pico aims to prove he is the best fighter and trusts his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, to handle the situation. He reiterated his willingness to sit out for a year, focusing on training and family.
Pico revealed he had been ready to fight throughout the past year, with his last fight being in February 2024.
Following his victory over Henry Corrales at a PFL event in Saudi Arabia, Pico had spoken with Davis, who promised him a title fight against Patricio Pitbull, then Bellator champion.
Pico explained that he was scheduled to fight Pitbull in September, as promised by Davis. However, the fight was cancelled. Subsequently, he was offered fights against Jesus Pinedo and Jeremy Kennedy, and a rescheduled Pitbull fight in Japan, all of which were also cancelled.
Pico highlighted the frustration of three cancelled fights, pointing out the financial strain of training camps without pay. He confirmed the end of his contract.
Pico explained his contract was originally with Bellator before PFL acquired the promotion. He stated he signed for seven fights over 30 months, but was only given five fights. He views this as a breach of contract but prefers to avoid legal action, hoping for a straightforward release without matching rights.
After Pico’s free agency became public, UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged interest in signing him, confirming the UFC’s interest.
At 28, Pico believes he is in his prime, with a strong recent record. He aims to compete against the best featherweights, believing the UFC is the platform for this. Following Davis’s insistence on retaining matching rights, Pico is determined to fight for his desired path.
Pico repeated that he will not fight for PFL again, questioning their plan for him given the ongoing tournament. He clarified he doesn’t intend to criticize PFL or Donn Davis, wishing them success and acknowledging friends within the organization. His desire is simply to not be part of PFL anymore, emphasizing the business aspect and the discrepancy in his contract fulfillment.
Pico admitted he is reluctant to pursue legal action against PFL, hoping for a mutual agreement to part ways amicably.
However, Davis’s statements suggest PFL intends to keep their matching rights, preventing a simple release.
Pico emphasized he has honored his contract and fulfilled his obligations. He mentioned having two fights remaining on his original contract and the repeated cancellations initiated by PFL. He reiterated his desire to avoid court and seek a clean free agency to join the UFC.
Pico stressed the truthfulness of his statements and his understandable frustration with the situation. He seeks freedom to fight in the UFC, sensing that PFL is waiting to match any offer.
Currently, Pico is prepared to wait, hoping PFL will eventually release him, allowing him to negotiate with the UFC.
Pico likened PFL’s stance to an ex-girlfriend unwilling to let go, implying they are simply holding onto him against his wishes.
