6 Takeaways From Bellator NYC
4. The Hype Train Was Derailed Very Quickly
Some called Aaron Pico the greatest prospect of all time in mixed martial arts. The 20 year old came into this one with all the promotional hype Bellator could muster behind him. This was a clear indicator that you need to take care of your prospects.
Ed Ruth and Tyrell Fortune are both wrestling prospects who debuted in Bellator and are still cutting their teeth on the online prelims. While Ruth in particular has had some dodgy moments, both remain undefeated, and will come to the big stage more polished and better prepared as a consequence.
Pico didn't have that experience. He came to prime time immediately, and it couldn't have gone worse. Perhaps already hurt by a glancing high knee, Pico walked straight into a Zack Freeman uppercut, and was dropped to his knees. Freeman grabbed the neck, hooked one leg, and dragged the youngster to the ground with a guillotine. Pico clearly hadn't recovered and could find no escape. The 24 second win for Freeman was the 4th fastest submission in Bellator history, and a disastrous debut for the next big thing.
Mauro Ranallo was quick to point out Bernard Hopkins lost his pro boxing debut. Ranallo is right to keep this in perspective as it's a pro debut that went badly - not necessarily an indicator of the future. If Pico goes on to have a legendary career, this will be a quirky part of the story. This was a lesson in matchmaking. Don't throw your future stars to the wolves.