10 Biggest MMA Prospects Pushed Too Soon

Every fighter previously mentioned had at least shown traits to justify their push, but doing this to a fighter who’d never even made his debut was always going to end in disaster.

Before he’d even reached his twenties, Aaron Pico was hailed as one of the most exciting prospects in MMA history, having been an alternate for the US Olympic Wrestling team and a Junior Gloves Champion, with Bellator signing him to an unprecedented long-term contract.

While most MMA debutantes do so in regional promotions, Pico debuted at Bellator’s Madison Square Garden pay-per-view against capable veteran Zach Freeman, who caught Pico with an uppercut before submitting him in under a minute.

Rather then lowering the level of his opponents, Bellator continued to push Pico well above his level, and while there were strong wins (including against former title challenger Leandro Higo) his inexperience constantly showed. Henry Corrales knocked him out as the youngster chased a stoppage, while Adam Borics caught him with a flying knee as Pico shot for a takedown.

Fighting a lower level of talent would’ve allowed Pico to iron his flaws and prepare him for the sport’s top level. Instead he sits with a 4-3 record and a stigma that’ll prove hard to overcome. His next move will certainly prove an intriguing one.