5 Things You Might Not Know About Aaron Pico

After a rocky start to his mixed martial arts career, Aaron Pico has looked like a potential cornerstone for Bellator MMA. The uber prospect will carry a 3-1 record into his battle with Leandro Higo at Bellator 206 on Saturday in San Jose, California. Will Pico breeze through the Brazilian for another first-round finish, or will Higo hand the Team Bodyshop representative his second defeat?

As Pico makes his final preparations, here are five things you might not know about one of the sport’s hottest commodities:

1. He is a two-sport standout.

Those who do not know much about Pico might be surprised to learn that neither wrestling nor MMA is his favorite sport. Boxing, which he learned at a young age, takes that honor. In fact, the idea of being a high-level boxer came to him before he even became interested in MMA. Pico has around 30 fights as an amateur and went on to won a number of state and national titles, including the 2009 National Junior Golden Gloves championship. He currently trains his boxing with Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym and has worked with the likes of Miguel Cotto and the other stars.

2. He was recognized as the top pound-for-pound high school wrestler in his freshman year.

Pico started wrestling at 4 years old and was already competing national tournaments by the at the age of 6. As a freshman at St. John Bosco High School in 2013, he went undefeated in 42 matches and was recognized by the National High School Coaches Association as the year’s best pound-for-pound wrestler. Pico enjoyed numerous significant achievements, including the 2013 USA Wrestling Junior National Championship, USA Wrestling FILA Cadet National Championship and the USA Wrestling FILA Junior National Greco-Roman Championship.

3. He has a horse named Canelo.

Pico starts his regular day at around 5 a.m., not to do some roadwork but to go to the stable and spend time with Canelo, his horse. Of course, it was named after Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez -- a man Pico grew up idolizing. However, he did not give the horse its name. It was already named when Pico became its owner.

4. He stumbled into wrestling by coincidence.

It all started with go-kart racing, an endeavor in which his brother participated as an 8-ear-old. The family soon found out that karters wore wrestling shoes for flexibility and traction. Pico’s father then wondered whether or not there were any wrestling programs in the area. Soon after, he enrolled both boys.

5. He grew up with another Bellator prospect.

Pico is a childhood friend of fellow Bellator featherweight A.J. McKee, who has raced out to 12-0 record to start a career. When asked about the idea of their paths someday crossing in the cage, they are both quick to indicate that it will not happen.