HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Some fans and analysts called it his most complete performance to date, and Aaron Pico doesn’t disagree.
At Bellator 271, Pico (9-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) defeated former LFA champion and previously perfect featherweight Justin Gonzales (12-1 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) by unanimous decision.
It was the first time Pico went to a decision in his professional career, and it was a performance in which he sees a lot to be proud of.
“I think when I’ll go back and watch the video there are some things that were a blessing from a fight,” Pico told MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference. “That’s what the coaches were telling me. I trust them with everything. They’re saying it was a great performance. Of course, there were adjustments. I’m happy with it. The most important thing in this game, that I’ve found out, is to win. That’s what we did tonight.”
While Pico dominated much of the fight, Gonzales was never out of it. There were some wild exchanges, and Pico chose to fight smart. For the first time in his entire career, Pico felt he was in the right headspace.
“This was the first fight, I was telling coach Greg (Jackson), that I really felt like I always say, I felt in the process,” Pico said. “I didn’t really think about anything else. I honestly felt in the zone tonight. I just didn’t think about anything other than being consistent. If the knockout would come, but if not, like I said, I’d be happy that we won. I was consistent. I played my song tonight, and I’m happy.”
As for what’s next, Pico, who rides a five-fight winning streak, isn’t sure in terms of matchups. However, the Jackson Wink MMA product will lean on those he trusts most to help guide him toward his next career move.
“I don’t have an answer to that question tonight,” Pico said. “I’m going to go back home and assess with my coaches (and) my manager Ali (Abdelaziz). We’re on a five-fight winning streak. I think we’re in a really, really good position. If I had an answer to that question, I’d answer. But I don’t.”
Bellator 271 took place Friday at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
Aaron Pico felt ‘in the process’ for the first time in career at Bellator 271
