UFC athlete Aaron Pico is set to revisit his wrestling background this summer. Before embarking on his mixed martial arts career, Pico was a highly touted American wrestler, achieving victories against notable competitors like Zain Retherford, Reese Humphrey, and Jordan Oliver. He pursued an Olympic aspiration in 2016, narrowly missing a spot on Team USA.
Pico will now make his debut in Real American Freestyle (RAF), joining a growing list of UFC fighters participating in wrestling events.
The promotion confirmed on Thursday that Pico will face former PFL champion Lance Palmer in a lightweight wrestling match at RAF 10. The event is scheduled for June 13 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.
Pico’s recent MMA activity includes a unanimous decision win over Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327 and a knockout loss to Lerone Murphy in his UFC debut at UFC 319 in August 2025.
Meanwhile, Lance Palmer, a multi-time NCAA Division I All-American, will be making his fourth appearance in the RAF promotion. Palmer currently holds a 1-2 record in RAF, with losses to Austin Gomez and Arman Tsarukyan. He is coming off a recent decision victory against Cayden Henschel at RAF 08.
The RAF 10 event will also feature a middleweight wrestling bout between Arman Tsarukyan and UFC veteran Tony Ferguson. This marks the sixth appearance for Tsarukyan, the No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight contender, in the RAF promotion.
Aaron Pico vs. Lance Palmer at RAF 10
Date: June 13
Location: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, Missouri
Event: Real American Freestyle (RAF) 10
Matchup: Aaron Pico vs. Lance Palmer (Lightweight Wrestling)
English Translation:
Aaron Pico to Explore Wrestling Again at RAF 10, Facing Former PFL Champion on June 13
Aaron Pico is slated to delve back into his wrestling roots this summer. Prior to his full commitment to MMA, Aaron Pico emerged as a prominent prospect in American wrestling, securing victories over athletes such as Zain Retherford, Reese Humphrey, and Jordan Oliver. He bypassed the traditional collegiate route to pursue an Olympic dream in 2016 but ultimately fell just one win short of qualifying for Team USA.
Now, Aaron Pico is set to make the transition to Real American Freestyle, becoming the latest UFC fighter to step onto the wrestling stage.
Aaron Pico Set to Face Lance Palmer at RAF 10
On Thursday, the promotion confirmed that Aaron Pico will make his debut against former PFL champion Lance Palmer in a lightweight bout at RAF 10. The event is scheduled for June 13 at Chaifetz Arena, located within Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Pico most recently competed at UFC 327 earlier this month, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Patricio Pitbull. Before that, the 29-year-old American experienced a devastating knockout loss to Lerone Murphy in his Octagon debut at UFC 319 in August 2025.
Meanwhile, multi-time NCAA Division I All-American Palmer is preparing for his fourth appearance under the RAF banner. “The Party” holds a 1-2 record in the promotion, with defeats against Austin Gomez and Arman Tsarukyan. He enters this matchup fresh off a decision win over Cayden Henschel at RAF 08.
RAF 10 will also feature Tsarukyan competing against UFC veteran Tony Ferguson in a middleweight clash, marking the No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight contender’s sixth appearance under the RAF banner.