Aaron Pico’s knockout victory against Justin Linn at Bellator 183 last night is being hailed by some as the ‘knockout of the year’.
20-year-old Pico took out Linn with a perfect left hook at the 3:45 mark of round one, giving the Californian fighter the first victory of his MMA career.
It wasn’t an easy win for Pico though and Linn got in several good hits but Aaron managed to go toe-to-to beofre delivering the final knockout.
Ladies and gentlemen…@AaronPicoUSA #Bellator183 pic.twitter.com/kp5mHl7pfS
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 24, 2017
During his post-fight interview Pico told MMA Junkie:
I’m really happy right now – really happy. It’s a proud moment to get my first victory, something I’ll always remember on my 21st birthday.
Now Pico’s fans are praising his win as the knockout of the year…
Some knockout Aaron Pico!! Also great to see @roynelsonmma starting off his Bellator fighting with a win. #Bellator183
— Marc (@marcnicolson) September 24, 2017
Aaron Pico landed probably the sweetest left hook knockout in Bellator tonight! That I've ever seen!!
— stAlin (@8_AliSayed) September 24, 2017
This fight proved that one punch is all it ever takes to shift any fight. Great fight, better knockout! #Bellator
— Monty Bravo (@Montere_Smith) September 24, 2017
Just caught up on the Bellator fights. Aaron Pico got a sweet KO, and Benson Henderson was insanely boring once again.
— Wu (@kylewutang) September 24, 2017
Hopefully the win and the praise from his fans will erase the memory of Pico’s embarrassing debut.
Pico, who was hyped as one of the most exciting prospects in MMA, made his debut in June against veteran fighter Zach Freeman at Bellator NYC.
Unfortunately despite the hype Pico lost via submission just 24 seconds into the first round.
Thankfully it seems Pico has managed to bounce back from defeat and put up a much better performance against Linn.
Here’s hoping he can keep it going!