Bellator President Scott Coker said Aaron Pico avoided a broken bone on Saturday at Bellator 286 and wants a rematch with Jeremy Kennedy after a dislocated shoulder ended his night.
Coker confirmed Pico’s shoulder injury at the post-event press conference for the Showtime-televised event at Long Beach Arena and welcomed the idea of a rematch, though he left open the possibility that Kennedy could choose a different direction. Greg Jackson, Pico’s coach confirmed that Pico had a dislocated left shoulder. )
Pico was clearly injured and the cageside doctor examined him between rounds. He was also seen by his corner having his shoulders worked out. It was then that he was heard speculating about whether Pico had suffered a fractured clavicle. This would be a much more severe injury, and likely require a longer layoff. Kennedy won via TKO in the first round after the doctor declared the fight over.
Instead, Pico may be back in action sooner than later, though his prognosis is not yet clear.
“Aaron’s shoulder popped back in – it’s not broken,” Coker relayed in a note passed to him at the post-event presser. He’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday. “He wants to rematch immediately, and is in good spirits .”
The setback ended a six-fight winning streak. It may also have stopped him from pursuing the featherweight title. Patricio Pitbull, who successfully defended the 145-pound belt with a decision over Adam Borics, wasn’t clear on his next step with Pico’s loss.
“It is unfortunate, because I could see where Aaron was taking this fight, and once his shoulder popped out, it didn’t really work out for him,” Coker said. He was trying to win the fight, and he did so with a strong performance. I feel sorry for him. After a point, he couldn’t defend the man.
“Jeremy is a great fighter. But Aaron looked good until his shoulder popped. The tide then turned and he began taking some damage. Because Aaron is not in good health, I believe the doctor stopped the fight. It is not our intention for anyone to be hurt. It’s something that he’ll have another day, and so we’ll let him rest, heal up, and we’ll bring him back when he’s ready.
” I’d love to have that one back. … Let’s see. This places Jeremy in a new position. He is able to move ahead and advance, so we’ll see when he’s available; it’s possible that he will be ready before Aaron. We’re going give Aaron the chance to move forward and face tougher men, even though Timing is going to be a problem. And Aaron’s going to have to go back to the drawing board and get healthy. We’ll have Aaron back .”
as soon as he is ready and feels ready.
