Aaron Pico Looks To Make A Statement At UFC 333

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Former wrestling prodigy Aaron Pico will return to the Octagon Saturday at UFC 333, where he will face Losene Keita in a featherweight bout on the main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Pico is one of the most accomplished wrestlers to transition into mixed martial arts in recent years. Before turning professional in MMA, he won a cadet world championship, earned a silver medal at the 2014 Junior World Championships and reached the finals of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Now ranked No. 11 in the UFC featherweight division, Pico will look to build on his most recent victory against former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull. 

Keita, a former two-division champion in Oktagon MMA, presents a dangerous challenge after earning a first-round knockout in his most recent fight.

Here is a look at Pico's wrestling background and what to know ahead of UFC 333.

Aaron Pico Was One Of America's Top Wrestling Prospects

Pico established himself as one of the country's top young wrestlers long before his MMA career began.

In 2013, he won a cadet world championship in freestyle wrestling. He followed that performance with a silver medal at the 2014 Junior World Championships and another medal at the 2015 Junior World Championships.

Pico also competed against some of the best wrestlers in the United States. At just 19 years old, he defeated Jayson Ness, Jordan Oliver and Reece Humphrey to reach the best-of-three finals at 65 kg at the 2016 Olympic Team Trials.

Pico won the first match against Frank Molinaro but dropped the next two, finishing as the Olympic team alternate. The result ended his run in competitive wrestling as he shifted his focus to MMA.

Rather than take the traditional route through high school and college wrestling, Pico chose to pursue international freestyle wrestling and his long-term goal of becoming a professional fighter.

How Aaron Pico Has Performed In The UFC

Pico turned professional in MMA in 2017 and built an impressive record during his time with Bellator. 

Known for his explosive athleticism, wrestling and striking power, he developed into one of the promotion's notable featherweight contenders.

He made his UFC debut against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319 in August 2025. Murphy stopped Pico with a spinning elbow in the first round, handing him a difficult start to his UFC career.

Pico bounced back at UFC 327 in April 2026, earning a unanimous decision victory over Pitbull. The win was an important response after his debut loss and gave him momentum heading into his next fight.

Pico enters UFC 333 with a 14-5 professional MMA record. His background includes nine knockout victories and two submission wins.

Who Is Aaron Pico Fighting At UFC 333?

Pico was originally scheduled to face Arnold Allen, a top-ranked featherweight contender, at UFC 333. Allen withdrew because of injury, and Keita stepped in as his replacement.

Keita has a 17-2 professional record and is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Muhammad Naimov at UFC Paris in September. The Belgian fighter made his UFC debut in March, losing a split decision to Nathaniel Wood before rebounding with the stoppage win.

Keita's striking makes him a dangerous opponent for Pico, but Pico's wrestling background could be an important factor in the matchup. His ability to threaten takedowns and control positions may give him options beyond prolonged striking exchanges.

For Pico, the bout is another chance to establish himself in a deep featherweight division. For Keita, it is an opportunity to make a statement against a ranked opponent.

When Is Aaron Pico Fighting At UFC 333?

UFC 333 takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Pico vs. Keita is scheduled to open the main card.

  • Opponent: Losene Keita
  • Weight class: Featherweight (145 lbs)
  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
  • Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Main card: 2 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: Paramount+

The event is headlined by Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight championship against Movsar Evloev. The co-main event features bantamweight champion Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili in a trilogy title fight.

Pico will have the opportunity to add another UFC victory to his record while drawing on the wrestling skills that made him one of the country's most highly regarded prospects before he entered MMA.

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