What's new at Ludus Martial Arts

We’re so proud of our team! Find out how they’ve been doing, as well as what else has been going on at our gym lately.

Aaron Pico books his toughest test vs. ex-title challenger Leandro Higo at Bellator 206

The toughest test of Aaron Pico’s young career awaits him.

Pico, a featherweight super prospect, will look to continue his winning streak when he meets former title challenger Leando Higo on Sept. 29 at Bellator 206 from SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the booking to MMAjunkie following an initial report by The Orange County Register.

The 21-year-old Pico (3-1 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) has been on a tear ever since his stunning loss in his debut. His last three fights, all victories, have ended in first-round stoppages. Pico has produced two of the most memorable finishes this year. At Bellator 192 in January, he TKO’d Shane Krutchen with a body punch in 37 seconds. Then at Bellator 199 in May, Pico crumbled Lee Morrison with a body punch that led to a stoppage win.

After the win over Morrison, Pico talked about wanting to face bigger challenges sooner than later.

“The year ahead is coming closer to ranked guys and winning the world championship,” Pico said. “People thought I was crazy when came into MMA, and I said I don’t want to fight guys with losing records. But for me personally, fighting a guy that’s 2-4 or 1-3, and then hitting him with a body shot and knocking him out, just because I know I’m capable of doing it, I just wouldn’t feel good as a person. That’s not right. Because when I’m 26, it’s just going to be another day at the office. Those are my rules.”

It’ll be interesting to see just how prepared Pico is for an experienced veteran like Higo (18-4 MMA, 1-2 BMMA).

The 29-year-old Brazilian will look to rebound after suffering a first-round submission loss to bantamweight champ Darrion Caldwell in their title fight at Bellator 195 in March.

For more on Bellator 206, visit the MMA Rumors section of the site.

Michael Bisping warns Michael Chandler not to underestimate Conor McGregor: ‘Can’t be drunk on your own ego’

Michael Bisping thinks Michael Chandler would be making a grave mistake by underestimating Conor McGregor. Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) welcomes McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) back in a welterweight bout, which headlines UFC 303 June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). McGregor hasn’t competed...

Karine Silva explains how fast UFC rise was actually deceivingly long

LAS VEGAS – Karine Silva has heard the praise. Even though the narratives are largely complementary, Silva (17-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) admits her run toward UFC notoriety isn’t as quick and effortless as it may seem. “It wasn’t quick, guys. It wasn’t fast,” Silva told MMA Junkie and other...

come and try a ludus mma class free!

We want to make sure that Ludus MMA is the right fit for you before asking you to commit to a membership.
That’s why we’d like to offer you a FREE ONE-DAY PASS to our gym.

With your FREE PASS, you can:

  • Try as many classes as you’d like,
  • Explore the facility
  • Talk to our coaches one-on-one about what you can expect as a member

© Copyright 2024 - Ludus Martial Arts - 730 Beach Blvd, Unit 105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

(904) 374-4186 / ludusmartialarts@gmail.com