A decade ago, Aaron Pico was the MMA world’s golden boy before he even threw a punch inside a cage. According to renowned MMA manager, Bob Cook, “Aaron Pico may be the greatest prospect in the history of MMA.” Scott Coker, Bellator’s former president, didn’t hesitate. He locked Pico in before the UFC could even blink, leaving Dana White kicking himself for missing out.

Fast forward to today, and the tables have turned. With Bellator absorbed by the PFL, its fighters are free to carve out their futures. And now, Pico is at a crossroads. He wants the UFC, but there’s just one problem. PFL boss Donn Davis seemingly isn’t letting go without a fight!

Dana White’s tug-of-war with PFL over Aaron Pico escalates as Joe Rogan doubles down on his potential

Joe Rogan is already on board with Pico making the move to the UFC. On the latest JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) Fight Companion for UFC 312, the UFC color commentator made his stance crystal clear. He confessed, “I hope they get Aaron Pico…. I hope we get Aaron Pico. He’s wasted all this time. Yeah, these other organizations—people don’t know how good that kid is.”

For Aaron Pico, the path seems simple and he laid it all out in a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio. The 28-year-old stated, “UFC is where I want to go. I want to go fight for them. They’re the biggest organization in the world. They have the best fighters, they have the most well-known fighters, but I’m just waiting on that.”

So what’s stopping the move? Pico further explained, “And to be completely honest with you, the only one that’s really holding it up and won’t give me my full, full, release is Donn Davis. He won’t do it for reasons I have no idea.”

For a fighter itching to test himself on the sport’s biggest stage, the waiting game is nothing short of maddening. Yet, the PFL boss has a different take on the situation altogether.

In a response on X under Pico’s interview, Davis wrote, “To be clear PFL MMA is NOT holding him back, Pico as free agent can sign TODAY with UFC and then PFL MMA can decide whether to match offer. That is standard MMA contract Pico signed and how MMA industry works for everyone”

It’s a classic contract dispute, but the message is clear. Aaron Pico can go to the UFC and Dana White, but not without the PFL having the final say. The featherweight sensation isn’t just another free agent, he’s a hot commodity, and both the UFC and PFL are well aware of it. And according to his manager, the PFL and Donn Davis still have one card up their sleeves!

Ali Abdelaziz reveals that PFL can still make an offer Pico “cannot refuse”

Aaron Pico’s future is hanging in the balance, and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, knows the stakes. Abdelaziz, a veteran of MMA negotiations, broke down the situation in a chat with MMA Junkie. According to him, Pico’s contract has expired, making him a free agent.

However, there’s a catch. PFL still holds a 90-day exclusive negotiation window, followed by a matching period. In other words, even if the UFC and Dana White come knocking, PFL gets the last say.

Abdelaziz explained, “Pico didn’t say nothing because he’s a free agent. He can shop here very soon, after 90 days (of exclusive negotiation period). Maybe before the 90 days PFL make him a deal he cannot refuse, I don’t know.”

For Aaron Pico, it’s not just about prestige it’s also about business. He’s spent years grinding through Bellator and PFL, but now, at 28, he has a rare chance to cash in on his value. The veteran manager then confessed, “UFC, of course, he would love to become a UFC champion, but if PFL can offer me a deal I can’t refuse, then he’s going to take it. But if he said, ‘I want to go to the UFC,’ I have to go get an offer from the UFC and PFL can have the right to match it.”

Dana White has already stated that the promotion is “interested” in pursuing Pico at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference. But the PFL isn’t ready to loosen its grip just yet. With Donn Davis holding the final say and Ali Abdelaziz working every angle, the negotiation chess match is in full swing.

Will Dana White make a move that forces the PFL’s hand? Or will Pico find himself locked into another deal, waiting for a shot at the UFC that never comes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!