Aaron Pico reveals why Arnold Allen withdrawal didn’t change his UFC 333 plans

Aaron Pico doesn't let the fact that he has a new opponent affect him at UFC 333. He was originally scheduled to fight top-ranked featherweight Arnold Allen; however, Allen withdrew from the bout due to an extended rehabilitation timeline and prior medical treatments. 

Now, Pico is set to face an unranked but dangerous power puncher in Losene Keita, the former Bellator star. Rather than being affected by a change on short notice, he is embracing the changes and explained that he needs to fight rather than wait for a top-ranked featherweight. He believes the most important thing is staying active and gaining experience.

Aaron Pico wants to keep fighting and improving

In his recent appearance on MMA Junkie, Pico explained that he was excited to face Allen because of his No. 5 ranking and the opportunity to move closer to the top of the division. However, he made it clear that waiting for another ranked opponent was never part of his plan.

He emphasized that he is more focused on eventually becoming champion than on protecting his ranking.

“So, they told me I was fighting Arnold Allen, and I was really excited. I mean, he's No. 5, and it's one step closer up the rankings, but it doesn't really matter to me, to be quite honest with you. If I'm not champion, I'm not really focused on that. I'm not really one of those guys that's like, 'Well, I need to protect my ranking and not fight, or I need to fight this guy,” Pico told MMA Junkie.  

The former Bellator standout asserted that he wants to compete as often as possible and use every fight as an opportunity to improve and ultimately capture the UFC gold. 

“All that matters to me is to get better, and sitting around and waiting for a ranked guy is not in my agenda. I just want to fight, get experience, and ultimately become a champion. So, whoever they have, I say yes, and I fight," Pico said.

Check out Aaron Pico’s comments below: 

Aaron Pico aims to extend his win streak against dangerous Losene Keita

Pico's UFC debut was highly anticipated. He faced then-undefeated Lerone Murphy, with many believing he would get the job done. However, it didn't end as he planned, and he was brutally knocked out in the first round by Murphy's lethal spinning back elbow. 

However, The American bounced back in his second UFC outing. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327, putting him back on the win column. 

Now that he has the next challenge in Keita, he will try to extend his win streak and move one step closer to the title. That said, it won't be an easy task, as ‘Black Panther’ has incredible power punching, which he recently showed against Muhammad Naimov, where he knocked out Naimov in the first round in under three minutes.