The PFL vs. Bellator early card concludes with a Bellator exclusive bout between Henry Corrales and Aaron Pico. This will be a rematch from their at Bellator 214 in January 2019 – a fight from early in Pico’s career that saw each man drop the other and Corrales score a knockout in 67 seconds.
Unfortunately for Corrales, things turned a bit downward from there. Starting with a loss to Darrion Caldwell in the opening round of Bellator’s Featherweight Grand Prix, Corrales went 1-3 following the victory over Pico. He, however, rebounded with three straight wins before dropping a split decision to Kai Kamaka at Bellator 300 in October. Now, taking this fight on less than a week’s notice, Corrales hopes another win over Pico can be what is needed to take him back to the top level at featherweight.
After being finished by Corrales and Adam Borics, Pico turned things around in dramatic fashion. He has won eight of his last nine, with his sole loss only coming because of a shoulder injury. Pico, who racked up accomplishments in wrestling and boxing before his MMA career, most recently fought in September, stopping Pedro Carvalho in just over three minutes. Pico, who has been with Bellator for his whole career, was a highly touted name from the time he first stepped foot in MMA. Now, avenging his previous loss to Corrales may mean even bigger opportunities for him down the line.
This short-notice rematch should be an exciting one for fans as it closes out the early card.
Round 1
Pico fires off some jabs to start this one off. Low kicks from Pico. Corrales lands a right and Pico shoots in for a takedown. Corrales keeps himself elevated and brings himself over to the fence. The two scramble and Pico pins Corrales against the fence. High kick from Pico on the separation. Pico shoots in and scores another takedown. Corrales gets back to his feet, but Pico fires off a few punches before returning the fight to the mat.
Pico's striking is a thing of beauty#PFLvsBellator LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 24, 2024
🇺🇸 ESPNEWS & ESPN+
🔗 https://t.co/cJUXOuQ94d
🌏https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/274TCIx9wh
Corrales gets back to the feet, keeping himself against the fence. Pico misses a spinning elbow. Pico looks to bring pressure, lands another low kick. Pico works a combination and presses Corrales against the SmartCage briefly. Corrales misses an overhand. Jab by Pico. Pico scores another takedown. Pico continues his pressure from up top, overwhelming Corrales in the closing seconds and scoring the first-round stoppage!
Aaron Pico unloads elbows to get the stoppage in the 1st round!!#PFLvsBellator LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) February 24, 2024
🇺🇸 ESPNEWS & ESPN+
🔗 https://t.co/cJUXOuQ94d
🌏https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/bDV9v1rZhn
A big performance on this big stage from Aaron Pico, who continues his winning ways!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Aaron Pico defeats Henry Corrales by 1st round TKO (4:53)