Aaron Pico tech falls Lance Palmer at RAF 10 in wrestling return

Aaron Pico did not look like someone who had been away from wrestling for 10 years. The UFC featherweight contender ran through Lance Palmer with a 12-1 technical fall at RAF 10 on Saturday, closing the match in the second period after a nearly flawless performance.

Pico was one win from making the 2016 Olympics before losing in the U.S. trials finals and shifting to mixed martial arts full-time. MMA Fighting reports he came back to the mats looking fast, strong, and in full control — scoring a takedown and roll for early points, then piling on with repeated attacks that left the Ohio State All-American on his heels. Palmer survived the first period down 6-0 but could not stop Pico's momentum.

Pico open to Retherford rematch for pay

In the second period, Pico stuffed a Palmer shot and reversed for more points. Palmer managed a reversal for one point, but Pico answered seconds later with another two-pointer to trigger the technical fall. "It's been 10 years since I've been away," Pico said afterward, per the report. "Thank you to wrestling, everything it's done for me. I'm just so happy to be at RAF."

When asked by Chael Sonnen about a potential rematch with Penn State legend Zain Retherford — a three-time NCAA champion and world gold medalist whom Pico beat multiple times before turning pro — Pico did not hesitate. "I beat him six times for free but now I can beat him and get paid for it?" he said. "Sign me up."

Pico has made MMA his primary focus since 2016, but Saturday's showing suggests he could split time between the cage and the wrestling mat going forward. RAF 10 marked his official return to competition, and he appeared ready to make it more than a one-off appearance.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — RAF 10 results: Aaron Pico dominates Lance Palmer with tech fall victory in return to wrestling