Aaron Pico now has an opponent for his return to New York.
The top up-and-comer will face Adam Borics at Bellator 222 on June 14 at Madison Square Garden, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
Pico (4-2) is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Henry Corrales at Bellator 214 in January. That defeat snapped a four-fight winning streak, all of which were first-round knockouts. The California native is regarded as one of the best blue-chip prospects in MMA history, though he has had two rocky outings in six career fights.
Pico, 22, will finish out his training camp for Bellator 222 at Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as first reported earlier this week by ESPN. Pico made his pro MMA debut at MSG two years ago, falling to Zach Freeman via submission in just 24 seconds.
Borics (12-0) is a touted prospect in his own right. The Hungarian fighter, nicknamed "The Kid," has won all three of his Bellator fights, all via finish. Borics, 25, is highly thought of at his Hard Knocks 365 gym in Lantana, Florida, where he trains alongside UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and under coach Henri Hooft.
Bellator 222 is headlined by a light heavyweight fight between Chael Sonnen and former UFC champion Lyoto Machida. Also on the card, Rory MacDonald will defend his welterweight title against Neiman Gracie in a Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix semifinal bout.
