Henry Corrales versus Aaron Pico

When Henry Corrales (16-3 MMA) and Aaron Pico (4-1 MMA) meet inside the octagon at Bellator 214, each rising fighter will have the opportunity to make their case for the next shot at the featherweight title.

Aaron Pico, left, Bellator President Scott Coker and Henry Corrales during Bellator 214 Media Day at the Westin Los Angeles Airport in Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan 24, 2019. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Corrales enters the contest on a four-fight winning streak, with his most recent third-round TKO victory over Andy Main (12-4-1 MMA) at Bellator 208 propelled him to this co-main event battle against Pico. Prior to that, he had captured two unanimous decision victories as well as a body-shot TKO victory over Cody Bollinger (19-7 MMA).

Picking Himself Up After Going 0-3 In His Bellator Debuts

Corrales started his mixed martial arts journey from a young age. Since beginning his pro career back in 2011, Henry made his presence known when he racked up 12 straight victories over at Long Beach Fight Night Promotions and KOTC. However, his success in Bellator was not immediate. Corrales made his Bellator debut back in 2015 when he fought Daniel Straus at Bellator 138. He lost the fight via guillotine choke and followed up with two more consecutive losses. Now, though, Corrales is making a statement within the featherweight division, winning four in a row and on his way to his first promotional title shot.

It made it easier to pick myself up because I knew the mistakes that were being made, and I knew what needed to be done and changed.

“I took that first fight against Staus on three-weeks notice, and I cut down from 190lbs and I went in there with no game plan. Like F*** this, I’m just going to F****ing chuck – I’m in shape and all this. And I got humbled. Learned”.

Corrales had learned a lot from his three losses, his last loss came to one of the best in the world, Patricio Pitbull (28-4 MMA). This was the moment where Henry decided to pack his belongings and leave L.A to join MMALab. He hasn’t looked back since.

Corrales vs Pico

In a match pinning two of the best rising stars within the Bellator roster together, it is guaranteed that the winner will solidify themselves as one of the best in the world.

He’s legit. He’s smashing dudes and putting them away. He has good credentials, great wrestler, boxer and I’m looking forward to it.

With all the hype surrounding Pico, a lot of people may be overlooking Henry Corrales in this match. When asked, Corrales is paying no mind the distractions and is keeping a calm, cool and collected demeanor heading into their match.

“Sure they are. But you know that’s just something I don’t get caught up in. Being over-looked sounds like a compliment compared to what I’ve been referred to in the past. So, it’s all good. I’m not even worried”.

When asked about the strategy planned for Pico, Corrales had a simple answer: to Fight.

I’m just going to go in there well-conditioned, I’ve been working with a lot of good wrestlers. A lot of professional boxers. I’m going to bring the heat and do what I do. Keep it simple, I think stylistically, we both have simple game plans, just meat, and potatoes. Just go in there and throw bombs while being as technical as possible and get the job done.

Bellator 214 goes down on January 26 live from The Forum in Los Angeles. The event will also feature the MMA Debut of Jack Swagger and the finale of the Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament featuring Ryan Bader and Fedor Emelianenko