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“Fighting is very, very scary and nerve wracking, but I thoroughly enjoy that and it’s a challenge,” he said. “And I love the lifestyle. I love training hard, I love thinking, okay, what’s the game plan this guy’s going to use against me? And figuring out what my coaches are game planning and pushing my body to the limits. I just love everything about that. And, at the end of the day, too, I love being in an arena with thousands of fans and fighting on TV and fighting for the fans. It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed.”
The true fans stayed in Pico’s corner through the ups and downs, and when everything finally clicked in early 2020, he’s been tough to beat. Starting with his second-round knockout of Daniel Carey in Bellator, the 28-year-old has been on a tear to the tune of nine wins, one loss due to injury, and seven finishes. And in April, he signed a UFC contract.