The UFC Dream Deferred: Why Aaron Pico's Octagon Debut Isn't Happening in 2025

The mixed martial arts world has long watched Aaron Pico, a prodigious talent whose journey from wrestling phenom to captivating MMA prospect has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. For years, the question has lingered: when will this highly touted fighter finally grace the hallowed Octagon of the Ultimate Fighting Championship? While speculation has often circled a near-future debut, his influential manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has now delivered a definitive answer, at least for the coming year: not in 2025.

Abdelaziz, a prominent figure in fighter management known for his candid assessments, recently revealed his firm stance on Pico's immediate future with the UFC.

Speaking with Sportskeeda, he unequivocally stated, "He’s under contract with the PFL right now. We need to focus on PFL, and he’s not going to fight in the UFC in 2025." This declaration puts a temporary halt to the fervent anticipation surrounding Pico's potential leap to the sport's biggest stage.

The rationale behind Abdelaziz's decision is rooted in a strategic, long-term vision for Pico's career.

While acknowledging Pico's immense talent and world-class wrestling foundation, the manager pointed to areas needing further refinement, particularly his striking defense. "He needs to improve his defense. He takes a lot of punishment, and the UFC is a monster. There are a lot of sharks in the water," Abdelaziz emphasized, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the UFC's lightweight division.

Pico's journey in MMA has been marked by incredible highs and character-building lows.

Bursting onto the scene with a collegiate wrestling background that promised greatness, he faced early setbacks, including a shocking thirteen-second knockout loss in his professional debut. Despite these initial stumbles, Pico has evolved into a formidable force, showcasing explosive power and devastating ground-and-pound.

His current professional record stands at 12-4, reflecting significant growth since those early days, primarily under the Bellator banner, which is now part of the PFL.

The manager's cautious approach isn't a dismissal of Pico's potential but rather a testament to the brutal demands of the UFC.

Abdelaziz believes that to truly thrive at that level, Pico needs to be meticulously prepared, avoiding situations where he might absorb unnecessary damage. "I think in 2026, probably. But he needs to be smart," Abdelaziz added, hinting at a more realistic timeline for the highly anticipated transition.

For fans eager to see Pico test his mettle against the likes of Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, or Justin Gaethje, the wait continues.

This strategic delay, orchestrated by his manager, underscores the immense pressure and caliber of competition within the UFC. It suggests that when Aaron Pico finally does make his entrance, he will be a more refined, durable, and truly ready contender, aiming not just to compete, but to conquer.