4 reasons why you need to watch Bellator 214: Fedor vs Bader

#4 Aaron Pico is facing his biggest test to date

Aaron Pico is one of MMA's hottest prospects

22-year old prospect Aaron Pico has often been pushed as a ‘blue-chipper’ by Bellator, and some observers have even suggested he could be the greatest prospect in the history of MMA. Pico is a former amateur wrestling standout who made it to the US’s Olympic trials as a teenager, and he’s also been training in boxing and pankration since his teens as well.

He was upset by journeyman Zach Freeman in his MMA debut at Bellator 180 in 2017, but since then he’s been perfect, ripping through 4 straight opponents, all by KO or TKO in the first round. Basically, Pico now looks every inch the red-hot prospect and it’s hard to see him not eventually winning Bellator’s Featherweight title.

At Bellator 214 though he faces by far his toughest test to date in the form of Henry Corrales. A pro fighter dating back to 2011, Corrales has an impressive record of 16-3 – meaning he’s got almost 4 times the experience that Pico does. And his losses are nothing to sneeze at – they’ve come to current Bellator Featherweight champ Patricio Freire, former champ Daniel Straus, and top contender Emmanuel Sanchez.

Corrales also has wins over very tough fighters like Noad Lahat and Georgi Karakhanyan. Not only is ‘OK’ the best opponent Pico has ever fought, but he’s also beaten fighters who are better than anyone Pico’s ever fought. That makes him a huge test for the youngster.

If Pico can blow Corrales out of the water as he did to Leandro Higo in September, then it’d be hard to deny him his spot as a true title contender at 145lbs, despite his lack of experience. It could be better for him if he’s pushed somewhat by Corrales, but whether that’ll happen is anyone’s guess. At any rate, a chance to watch a prospect as good as Pico simply can’t be missed.