Aaron Pico, one of the most highly touted prospects in mixed martial arts, will make his professional debut on Bellator MMA's blockbuster June 24 event in New York.
Bellator president Scott Coker told ESPN of Pico's scheduled debut Thursday. The 20-year-old prospect will compete in the 155-pound lightweight division. His opponent has not yet been determined.
Pico, of Whittier, California, signed with Bellator in 2014 as an 18-year-old, even though he had no immediate plans to fight. His focus has been on making the U.S. Olympic wrestling team, which he came within one victory of doing at the 2016 Olympic trials.
In addition to an outstanding amateur wrestling background that includes world and national championships, Pico is a former Golden Gloves champion in amateur boxing.
He suffered a torn ACL in 2016, but has since recovered to full strength.
Two-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen will face Wanderlei Silva in the main event of Bellator's pay-per-view event on June 24. In addition to the PPV portion, Bellator will promote a televised card on Spike TV that same evening. The event will mark the company's first trip to New York.
