Aaron Pico says he’s training to be smarter after setbacks as he faces Losene Keita at UFC 333

The Story

Aaron Pico says his approach inside the octagon has to be more measured as he prepares to face Losene Keita at UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Pico, a Whittier, Calif.-based featherweight, is set to headline the event’s main card at Etihad Arena. The 30-year-old is coming off a defeat early in his UFC career, when he was dropped in the first round by a spinning back elbow against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319 in Chicago. Pico previously acknowledged that his older style—“just going and mauling guys”—left openings for opponents to land fight-ending techniques.

The focus now is on decision-making and staying safe while still using his skill set. Pico said he needed to “be a smart fighter” if he wants to be “a UFC champion,” adding that talks with his father, coaches and training partners have centred on controlling emotions and avoiding getting “overly excited.”

Pico has credited his preparation changes to new training locations and partners. He now trains with Roberto Guerrero in Morocco, which is also described as a “home away from home,” spending three months there preparing for Patricio Pitbull and two months training for Keita. Pico said he will still work with Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque through occasional visits and a few days of training for new looks.

Pico also detailed the type of guidance he receives from Guerrero, saying the theme is, “Get in, get out,” and that Guerrero tries to help keep him “safe” while allowing Pico to apply his own creativity and skill.

The fight was originally set against Arnold Allen, but Allen withdrew about a month before UFC 333, paving the way for Keita to step in. Keita enters with a 17-2 record and is a 28-year-old Guinean-born Belgian who was a two-division Oktagon champion before joining the UFC last year.

Pico described Keita as a dangerous and hungry opponent despite his ranking status, saying Keita is a “very confident guy” with “a lot of hype behind him” in Europe. Keita is 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off a first-round knockout victory Sept. 5 that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

For Pico, the fight also comes alongside major personal changes. The Whittier native recently bought a house and moved back to his hometown with his girlfriend, Kylie Chacon, and their son, Valentino. Pico said Valentino—now 5 and started kindergarten—has been drawn to wrestling.

UFC 333 is scheduled for Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The prelims begin at 7 a.m. PT, with the main card at 11 a.m. PT, on Paramount+.