Title: UFC Boss Dana White Expresses Interest in High-Profile Free Agent
AfterUFC 311, reporters probed UFC President Dana White about potential signings of high-profile free agents Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico. White sounded hesitant on Pitbull but declared the UFC's strong interest in Pico, sparking speculation.
When interacting with the media, White seldom speaks without purpose. Perhaps he's confident of securing Pico's services when negotiations start, seeing a prospective mutual interest and impending agreement.
On the other hand, Pitbull, 37, pressured PFL for release, as inactivity since March 2024, following his title defense against Jeremy Kennedy, left him wanting a UFC challenge. However, the veteran's age and previous accomplishments might not see him challenge the UFC's dominating featherweights. His assertive nature, though, means he expects respect fitting a multi-time world champion.
The UFC may ponder if the benefit of signing Pitbull outweighs potential effort and reward.
In contrast, age is not an issue for the young and talented Aaron Pico, who recently increased his winning streak to three with victories over Pedro Carvalho and Henry Corrales. Had it not been for a shoulder injury, leading to a loss against Kennedy in October 2022, Pico's streak would have reached ten. His boxing and wrestling background, combined with his recent success, could make him a force in the UFC's lightweight division.
Commentators suggest exciting potential matchups for Pico, such as with Renato Moicano, Benoit Saint-Denis, and even Michael Chandler. Pico's training with the likes of Jon Jones at Jackson Wink MMA only amplifies speculation.
Stay tuned for updates as negotiations progress.
Insight:
- While both fighters are being considered by the UFC, the exploratory phase of negotiations is ongoing with no definitive agreements announced as of January 2025.
- The UFC is interested in signing Pitbull but might be uncertain due to his age and difficulty in challenging the division's Top 5 fighters.
- Pico has shown improved results since overcoming losses early in his career and continues to make noise as one of Bellator/PFL's top lightweights.
Dana White expressed interest in Aaron Pico during his post-UFC 311 media interaction, highlighting the prospective mutual interest and potential agreement during negotiations.
Given his recent three-win streak, including victories over Pedro Carvalho and Henry Corrales, Aaron Pico could potentially face off against top UFC lightweight contenders like Renato Moicano, Benoit Saint-Denis, or even Michael Chandler if he joins the UFC.
Despite being 37 and facing challenges in challenging the division's top 5 fighters in the UFC, Patricio Pitbull still expects respect as a multi-time world champion and is pressing for release from PFL to pursue opportunities in the UFC.
