After UFC 311, UFC President Dana White was asked if he was interested in signing two of the more high-profile mixed martial arts free agents, Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico.
White didn’t sound too sure about Pitbull, but he made a point to say the UFC was “definitely interested” in Pico. Here’s a look at the clip:
One thing you learn from watching White speak to the press is that he almost never says anything without a purpose. There’s likely a reason White was more forthcoming about the UFC’s interest in Pico.
White could be far more confident, perhaps even certain, that he will sign Pico once his negotiating window has opened. It’s highly unlikely White would show the organization’s hand if he didn’t have an idea that there was strong mutual interest from Pico and his team—and some sort of indication that an agreement was forthcoming.
Pitbull has been very public about his desire to fight in the UFC, but White wasn’t as definitive in his speech about the Brazilian legend and reigning Bellator featherweight champion.
Pitbull To UFC – What’s the Situation?
Pitbull, 37, is a Bellator legend. He recently pressured the Professional Fighters League to release him after he sat inactive since March 2024 when he successfully defended his title against Jeremy Kennedy.
Quite honestly, Pitbull is at a stage in his career where he’s not likely to be a major title contender in the UFC’s highly competitive featherweight division. Looking at the Top 5 145-pounders in the UFC—champion Ilia Topuria, Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev, and Yair Rodriguez—Pitbull might only be favored to defeat the latter.
Even then, we’re likely looking at even odds.
While that is a likely reality, the proud Brazilian is going to want to be treated with respect on the level of a multi-time world champion. Pitbull has proven he will be vocal and aggressive when going after what he believes he deserves.
The UFC may be determining if the juice is worth the squeeze with Pitbull—especially at 37.
The Case for Aaron Pico in the UFC
Pico is a different story.
At just 28, he’s currently on a three-fight win streak, having scored back-to-back stoppage wins over Pedro Carvalho and Henry Corrales.
Were it not for a shoulder injury that led to a loss to Kennedy in October 2022, Pico would be on a 10-fight win streak. Pico is a decorated wrestler and boxer who has demonstrated a highly entertaining fighting style as a professional.
He’s shaken off some devastating losses early in his career to Zach Freeman, Corrales, and Adam Borics to become one of the top lightweights in Bellator/PFL. Pico also trains at Jackson Wink with Jon Jones and others, so there is no questioning his pedigree.
Pico is still young enough to make some noise in the UFC and talented enough to potentially make a title push. There are a number of potentially epic fights Pico could have at lightweight in the UFC.
A battle with Renato Moicano, Benoit Saint-Denis, Jalin Turner, or even Michael Chandler could be very entertaining.
Stay tuned.
