Aaron Pico is gearing up for a major return to wrestling this June, and the stakes couldn't be higher. After a rollercoaster start to his UFC career, the 28-year-old is set to step onto the mat at the Real American Fight (RAF) event on June 13 in St. Louis. He'll share the card with Arman Tsarukyan, a late addition to a lineup that already features the highly anticipated debut of Gable Steveson. It's a stacked night of action that's got fight fans buzzing.
Pico's opponent is no slouch—he'll face Lance Palmer, a seasoned veteran who's twice won the Professional Fighters League featherweight tournament. This matchup is a true test for Pico, who's been riding a wave of momentum since his last fight. In Miami, he didn't get the coveted post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, but he did secure his first UFC win by defeating Patricio Pitbull—a victory that felt like a lifeline.
"I'm happy I got to put my hands up. It's been a rough journey," Pico said at the post-fight press conference. "This game is no joke, but I want to thank all the people who stuck by me." He admitted that he felt like his job was on the line after a brutal knockout loss in his UFC debut. That comeback win wasn't just a highlight—it was a career-saver.
Pico's wrestling pedigree is legendary. Before transitioning to MMA, he was a top prospect who came within one win of qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Now, he's channeling that grit into the RAF arena. "Excited to put on a show!! See you guys in St. Louis," Pico wrote on Instagram after the matchup was officially announced.
Following their May 30 event in Texas, RAF is turning up the heat with this June 13 card. For fans of combat sports, this is a can't-miss night—whether you're tracking Pico's redemption arc or Steveson's debut. And for those who love the gear that goes with the grind, keep an eye out for Pico's signature style. He's not just fighting for wins; he's fighting for his legacy.