This past Friday night on the main card of Bellator 277, one of the top prospects in the promotion made his return. Aaron Pico (10-3) was looking to pick up his tenth professional win as he took on a last-minute replacement Adili Edwards (9-2).
Originally, Pico was supposed to face Jeremy Kennedy at Bellator 277, but Kennedy pulled out of the fight. Edwards stepped up to take on the challenge and all week he was smiles knowing he had this incredible opportunity. However, that smile quickly faded on Friday night.
Pico came out with a big point to prove in that there are levels to this and he showed that. He dictated where the fight took place and he pretty much did anything and everything he wanted to Edwards. He brutalized him on the feet and he took him down at will.
In the third round, Pico blasted Edwards with big shots that had him wobbled against the fence. Finally, Edwards fell and the referee rescued him after taking a thorough beating from Pico at Bellator 277.
What’s next after Bellator 277?
This was a big win for Pico who has now won six fights in a row which includes five finishes. Since moving to Jackson-Wink, Pico has been a completely different fighter and he’s letting the Bellator roster know that he means serious business.
With this latest win, what is next for Pico? Well, I would still like to see him get one more win before challenging Patricio Pitbull. Pico is really close friends with AJ McKee and the two had openly talked about not fighting each other. Now that McKee is no longer champion, the featherweight title has to be a focus for Pico.
After this win, I would love to see him face off against Mads Burnell or Adam Borics. The Borics fight would be an opportunity to avenge one of his earlier losses while earning him a shot at Bellator gold. However, I think Borics is likely going to get the next crack at the title. Put Pico – Burnell as the co-main in that circumstance and if Pico wins, give the man his shot.