Bellator 286: Aaron Pico is the fighter to watch

May 12, 2018; San Jose, CA, USA; Aaron Pico (red gloves) defeats Lee Morrison (blue gloves) during Bellator 199 at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Mandel-USA TODAY Sports

May 12, 2018; San Jose, CA, USA; Aaron Pico (red gloves) defeats Lee Morrison (blue gloves) during Bellator 199 at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Dave Mandel-USA TODAY Sports

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Aaron Pico needs a breakout performance to prove he is a Bellator title threat.

Bellator is quietly putting together some compelling cards with top prospects that casual mixed martial arts fans may not recognize. Bellator 286 is filled with such fights, including two big names at the top of the card in A.J. McKee and Patricio Pitbull. Aaron Pico was once considered a top prospect in his own right, but he’s the name to watch at Bellator 286 because it is time for him to step into the role of a title contender.

It has been five years since Pico stepped into an MMA cage for the first time of his professional career. Since that stunning defeat at Bellator 180, Pico has continued to develop as a dangerous opponent, even though the journey hasn’t been without its hiccups. Now, he’s riding a six-fight win streak and should be knocking on the door to a featherweight title opportunity.

Pico was last seen back at Bellator 277 where he picked up a stoppage victory over Adli Edwards in the third round. Since dropping back-to-back fights in 2019, his six-win streak has included stoppage-after-stoppage. Each name that has suffered at Pico’s hands have failed to make it out of the fight without being finished. Picking up a big win at this Bellator card will go a long way in making sure that Pico is in consideration for a title shot against the man that comes out of the main event with the championship.

Jeremy Kennedy is the test Aaron Pico needs

Jeremy Kennedy is a tough and experienced opponent for Pico to face. He comes into this fight with both wins in the Bellator cage and three straight wins in the UFC back in 2017. He also has wins in the Professional Fighter’s League on his resume, making him perhaps the most experienced competitor Pico has faced to this point.

Bellator 286: Pitbull versus Borics takes place on Saturday, October 1, 2022, live from the Long Beah Arena, in Long Beach, California. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.