After Disappointing MMA Debut, Prospect Aaron Pico Gets Spot on Bellator 183 Main Card

Aaron Pico had more hype surrounding his mixed martial arts debut than is normal for your average 20-year-old fighter.

The 2016 Olympic hopeful came crashing down to earth at Bellator NYC “Sonnen vs. Silva,” as he was submitted by Zach Freeman in just 24 seconds on June 24. That shocking defeat will not prevent the California-based promotion from continuing to prominently feature Pico, however.

Bellator President Scott Coker recently told ESPN.com that Pico’s next appearance will be on the main card of Bellator 183, which takes place at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Sept. 23.

The promotion is still in the process of securing an opponent for the prospect. Pico’s sophomore Bellator MMA appearances will take place at lightweight.

Bellator 183 is headlined by a lightweight showdown between Benson Henderson and Patricky Freire and will also see Roy Nelson make his promotional debut against Javy Ayala in a featured heavyweight tilt. The main card will be televised on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.