Aaron Pico Explains Accepting Losene Keita Fight at UFC 333

Aaron Pico was originally slated for a pivotal featherweight clash against perennial top-10 contender Arnold Allen at UFC 333. However, after Allen was forced out of the contest, the promotion tabbed rising prospect Losene Keita—who recently secured his first UFC victory—as the replacement. Rather than turning down the unranked opponent or seeking to protect his standing, the 30-year-old Pico accepted the matchup immediately.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Pico explained his willingness to take on any challenger rather than handpicking opponents on his path to a UFC title. "I just roll with the punches," Pico said. "A lot of guys are like, 'I need to protect this, I need to fight a guy that's above me.' I have a different approach.

If I'm not champion, then I just need to fight whoever. Even when you are champion, you're fighting the best guys in the world. I'm taking this as a new challenge."

Pico noted that getting cage time and repetitions is essential as he works his way to the championship level. Despite Allen holding a more established resume, Pico is not underestimating Keita, emphasizing that any mistake in the Octagon can prove costly. "I've lost before, so I know how crucial any one bad decision in the cage can cost you," Pico added. "We just have to be ready for everybody, and this is just another challenge."

In addition to his pursuit of UFC gold, the former Bellator standout was also determined to compete on the same card alongside UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, keeping his sights firmly set on the division's ultimate prize.