Aaron Pico finally lived up to his billing earlier today (Sat., Oct. 24, 2026) at UFC 333 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as the featherweight contender stunned Losene Keita with an early first-round TKO (punches).

Pico has always carried the potential to fight for a world title, but the former Bellator MMA star just hasn’t put it all together. Fight fans were hoping a move to UFC’s big stage would open a new level to Pico’s game. Before Saturday’s main event opener against Keita, Pico hadn’t shown he’s ready for the top featherweights in the world. It took him only 74 seconds to change that and put himself back into the top 10 mix heading into 2027.

Pico, who was coming off his first UFC win with a decision over Patricio Pitbull last April, used his wrestling in the opening moments of the first and scored a nice takedown. His top pressure didn’t last long, but Pico’s level change still had Keita guessing. That allowed Pico the chance to utilize his striking and he ended up landing a stinging right hand. Keita was hurt and stumbled backwards before falling to the canvas. Pico jumped on top for some brief ground-and-pound before he referee stepped in.

After the win, Pico took to the microphone and called out his fellow featherweights who refused to fight him Pico referenced them as “rankings squatter.”

Check out the knockout finish and Pico’s post-fight interview below:

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