Aaron Pico criticized Aljamain Sterling after UFC 333, saying Sterling turned down fights and that some ranked featherweights are reluctant to face him.
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Aaron Pico used UFC 333 post-fight comments to criticize Aljamain Sterling and other top featherweight contenders for what he described as an “overprotecting” approach to UFC rankings.
Speaking at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, Pico said he was supposed to fight Sterling, but was told it did not make sense because Sterling was ranked No. 11 at the time. Pico said he could not understand the reasoning and argued that contenders should be willing to fight anyone regardless of rank.
Pico also questioned the mindset of other ranked fighters, adding that Arnold Allen’s withdrawal from a scheduled bout may be related to an injury. He said some top fighters appear more focused on their ranking than on competing, and he pointed to being ranked No. 11 as something he would not be “embarrassed” about if it meant facing a world-champion-calibre opponent.
Pico said Sterling turned down fights against him multiple times. He also said his own mindset is to accept fights with anyone, saying, “I’ll fight anybody.”
On Saturday at UFC 333, Pico defeated Losene Keita on the main card. The UFC 333 bout followed Allen’s withdrawal due to injury, which forced Pico’s opponent change.
Pico said he would like to get a rematch with Murphy, who spoiled his UFC debut in 2025, and he also expressed interest in another fight with Sterling. He added that he wants fights that would move him closer to a championship opportunity.
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