Leandro Higo’s title encounter with Bellator champion Darrion Caldwell didn’t really go as expected. But, as far as rebound opportunities go, Higo’s is shaping up quite nicely.

Higo, as it turns out, was already eyeing a chance of competing in the division above his usual bantamweight one. He’s going to get just that when he returns at Bellator 206. And it’s certainly a nice little bonus that he gets to do it against the much-hyped Aaron Pico.

“I’m happy with this fight,” Higo told MMAjunkie. “It’s a big-name fight and I think beating this guy will really leverage my name. I already wanted to test myself in the upper division, and I get to do this test with this great prospect.”

Higo (18-4 MMA, 1-2 BMMA) and Pico (3-1 MMA, 3-1 BMMA) are set to meet in the DAZN-streamed main card of Bellator 206, which takes place Sept. 29 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

The bout announcement was received with some surprise. As one of Bellator’s most intriguing prospects, one would understand it if there was a slower build for the 21-year-old. However, in what will only be his fifth fight, Pico has a stiff challenge in a former title challenger.

Higo has, in fact, been given two title shots in his short Bellator run – though only one came to fruition. When he first came in, then riding a eight-fight winning streak, Higo was paired against then-champion and fellow Brazilian Eduardo Dantas. With only three weeks to prepare, however, he missed weight for the Bellator 177 headliner and the title was no longer on the line.

Despite the miss, Higo put on a valiant effort, losing a narrow split decision. He’d go on to recover with a solid win over Joe Taimanglo at Bellator 184 and fight for the title once more, at Bellator 195, this time against Caldwell. Higo was submitted in the first round – an outcome that, given how prepared he felt, was “a bit of a shock.”

Gallery Aaron Pico def. Lee Morrison at Bellator 199: Best photos view 6 images

Much like he was after the loss to “Dudu” Dantas, though, the Brazilian remains undeterred.

“Darrion Caldwell is an excellent fighter,” Higo said. “But I’m sure that, soon, we’ll see each other. Either him or ‘Dudu.’ They’re the guys I aim for, who are the top. Because my goal is to be champion.”

Higo, however, has a more immediate concern in Pico. And while he’s dealing with a much more inexperienced foe, at least when it comes to MMA, the Brazilian is in no way looking past an opponent whom he respects and believes has a lot of potential.

Higo is well aware Pico’s achievements in wrestling. He also knows about Pico’s solid boxing skills – which he also knows Miguel Cotto, whom Higo Brazilian is a big fan of, has helped hone.

Long story short: If you’re expecting Higo to start saying bad things about Pico, you will be disappointed.

That doesn’t come quite as a surprise. Even if Pico were the type of fighter who rattles his opponents outside the cage, which doesn’t really like seem like the case, Higo has never been interested in creating animosity toward his competition.

“Opponents are opponents, they’re not enemies,” Higo said. “I don’t like fighting angry. I like fighting happy. I think when you’re happy, you fight with more awareness, more care, with an open mind. I think anger gives you a feeling of – you get lost in the game. You want to finish the fight with one strike, and sometimes that strike doesn’t land, and you get frustrated. I don’t like fighting with anger; I like fighting with determination and will to win.”

This fight, Higo says, will be no different.

Well, not in that sense, anyway. After putting in the work for a five-round fight with champ Caldwell and not getting past the first round, Higo was left hungry for more. Which, he warns, might mean a slightly different version of him on Sept. 29

“This fight will have an extra taste, because I’m going to be a lot more aggressive,” Higo said. “I’m going to return to the Higo from before: aggressive, (but) with tranquility and calm. Always looking to finish the fight, whether it’s a knockout or a submission.”

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