Aaron Pico Outpoints Patricio Pitbull in a Bellator Reunion at UFC 327

Aaron Pico won a unanimous decision over Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327, closing the preliminary card with one of the most anticipated Bellator matchups in years. The scores were 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

Bellator has since been acquired by the PFL and mothballed, so the meeting happened in the UFC Octagon and not in the Bellator cage. In earlier years it would have been a featherweight title fight.

Pico was lighter and more mobile in the first round. His first takedown attempt was fought off, and a Pitbull leg kick clearly hurt him, but his next takedown was well timed: he ducked into a double-leg and put Pitbull down. Pitbull scrambled out to the fence. Back at range, Pico landed combinations, and the two had a wild exchange after Pitbull switched to southpaw. Pico came out of it with a small cut on his nose.

Round two goes to Pico

Looping hooks landed for Pico early in the second, and Pitbull, the shorter man, hit air in response. Pico rocked him once and split his guard with several jabs. Then a right hand stunned Pitbull again, and a takedown let Pico land a handful of elbows. Pitbull's face was showing damage.

In the third Pico opened with a combination and ripped the body. Pitbull tied him up and the two traded knees in the clinch. Pico then turned the corner, took Pitbull's back and locked him up along the fence, and eventually got the takedown.

Pitbull, ranked No. 13 at featherweight, was bloodied by the end and wanted to brawl. Pico declined, tapping his head with a finger.

Source: Cageside Press