Pico to return at Bellator 183 after losing debut

Aaron Pico is getting a second chance to make a first impression.

On Thursday, Bellator president Scott Coker told ESPN that the plan is for the 20-year-old MMA wunderkind to fight at Bellator 183 in San Jose, Calif., on Sept. 23, three months after his professional debut ended in embarrassing fashion.

Pico entered June's Bellator 180 pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden with the label of a can't-miss prospect, but fell flat on his face, being submitted by Zach Freeman in just 24 seconds.

Though Freeman was a relative unknown, he had an 8-2 record in 10 pro bouts, and his experience advantage clearly played a factor in the upset. Coker indicated that Pico will remain at lightweight for his second fight and that an opponent is still in the works.

Bellator 183 will be headlined by former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson taking on Patricky Freire, and it will also feature the promotional debut of heavyweight veteran Roy "Big Country" Nelson.