In the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA), confidence is key, and Aaron Pico is brimming with it as he prepares for his UFC debut. The 28-year-old former Bellator star recently made headlines by asserting that he rivals, if not surpasses, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in boxing skills. As Pico steps into the Octagon, he not only sees himself as a potential champion but also makes bold claims about his abilities compared to one of the top fighters in the sport.

Pico, who has a diverse combat sports background, was trained in wrestling from the age of four and took up boxing at ten. His storied history includes being a Golden Gloves amateur boxing champion and a freestyle wrestling medalist, factors that have shaped him into a multi-faceted fighter. After a rocky start to his professional MMA career, where he suffered a 24-second loss in his debut, Pico has bounced back spectacularly, securing numerous first-round knockouts and building a strong reputation in Bellator.

Now, with aspirations set on UFC gold, Pico has confidently stated, “I think I could be champion within a year.” This assertion reflects his belief in his abilities and his readiness to compete against the best, even if it means facing Topuria down the line.

Comparing Skills: Pico vs. Topuria

While Pico’s confidence is palpable, it raises an interesting debate within the MMA community regarding his comparison against Ilia Topuria, a fighter renowned for his striking abilities and knockout power. Topuria’s reputation was cemented after he delivered devastating performances, including a significant knockout of former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

Despite their shared wrestling backgrounds, Pico doesn’t shy away from saying, “Topuria has really, really good hands, but I don’t think it’s at my level if I’m just being completely honest.” He points to endorsements from respected figures in boxing to bolster his claim, implying that he is prepared to challenge the narrative that Topuria holds the crown for top-tier boxing in MMA.

The Future and Potential Showdown

As Pico prepares for his anticipated debut in the UFC featherweight division, the potential for a showdown with Topuria, who has now moved to the lightweight division, remains an intriguing possibility. Pico has expressed that he sees himself quickly climbing the ranks, and despite their current separation in weight classes, the UFC’s dynamic nature might soon create the conditions for their paths to cross.

His trajectory in the UFC is closely watched, especially following a split with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and the UFC’s attempts to match him against seasoned contender Movsar Evloev. While Pico has yet to face veteran UFC fighters, his past performances indicate that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level, suggesting that his ambitions may not be as far-fetched as they appear.

Conclusion

Aaron Pico’s confident assertions about his boxing prowess compared to Ilia Topuria set the stage for an exciting narrative as he embarks on his journey in the UFC. While he acknowledges Topuria’s skills, his determination to claim the title within a year underscores his belief in his own talent and hard work. As both fighters continue their careers in separate divisions, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how their stories unfold and whether they will eventually be pitted against each other in the Octagon.