Piccininni was born and raised in East Setauket, New York, and went on to attend Ward Melville High School. He made the varsity team in wrestling when he was in the eighth grade, year in which he placed third at the state championships. He won the state title in every year of high school, making him a four–time NYSPHSAA champion at four different weight classes (106, 113, 120 & 126 respectively).[6] He also competed at FloNationals, tournament in which he was the runner-up on 2013 and the champion on 2014. He graduated with a record of 226–3 and was awarded the 2015 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award.[7][8] After graduation, Piccininni committed to the Oklahoma State University to wrestle for the Cowboys.[9]
College
After compiling a 16–4 record in open tournaments, claiming the OCU Open and the Bob Smith Open titles as a redshirting athlete,[10] Piccininni went 27–8 during his freshman season (2016–2017) competing at 125 pounds, and went on to claim his first Big 12 Conference title before the NCAAs.[11] At the National tournament, he went 5–2 with both losses coming from returning NCAA runner–up from IowaThomas Gilman, to place fourth and earn All–American honors.[12] As a sophomore (2017–2018), Piccininni claimed his second Big 12 title in a row, pinning Zeke Moisey from West Virginia in the finals.[13] After two wins, Piccininni was pinned by freshman phenom and three–time age–group World Champion from Iowa Spencer Lee (eventual winner of the championship) at the NCAAs, and went on to be eliminated by Ethan Lizak from Minnesota after losing by technical fall, compiling an overall record of 24–5 and not placing at the tournament despite his sixth seed.[14][15]
Piccininni showed major improvements as a junior (2018–2019), building his record up to an undefeated 31–0 record before the NCAAs, notably avenging his loss to the now returning NCAA champion from Iowa Spencer Lee and claiming his third Big 12 Conference title.[16][17] At the National tournament, Piccininni racked up three wins before once again losing to Lee and getting thrown to consolations, where after being downed by 2016 Cadet World Championship runner–up from CornellVito Arujau, he got a win over Pat Glory to place fifth and secure his second All–American mention.[18]
In his senior year (2019–2020) he captured 26 wins and 2 losses, became the ninth Cowboy to win four conference titles when he defeated Alex Mackall from Iowa State in the finals of the Big 12 Conference championships.[19] Piccininni was the third–seeded wrestler for the 2020 NCAA Championships, however, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rendering him and all the qualifiers unable to compete.[20] Piccininni earned first–team NWCA All–American honors after the season.[21]
During his academic years, Piccinini did not compete very regularly in freestyle.[23] In June 2018, he competed at the US U23 Nationals,[24] where after a four–match win streak he was quickly downed by Vito Arujau, placing sixth.[25] A year later, he competed at the 2019 US Open in April, going 3–2.[26] He made another brief appearance at the 2019 Beat the Streets of May, where he was tech'd by Jack Mueller.[27]
In April 2020, Piccininni announced his transition to MMA and signed a contract with Zinkin Entertainment & Sports Management.[29] He started training at American Kickboxing Academy, MMA powerhouse where former Cowboys such as Daniel Cormier and Kyle Crutchmer train.[28][30][31] Piccininni made his professional debut in June 18, 2021, at XFN 371, winning by submission in the first round.[32][33]
He made his sophomore appearance in the sport against Joseph McCormick at XFN 376 on December 10, 2021. He won the bout via first-round submission.[34]
His third bout took place on June 24, 2022, at XFN 381 against Shawn Gustafson.[35] He won the bout via unanimous decision.
He then faced Freddie Rodriguez at Fury FC 72 on December 18, 2022.[36] He won the bout via first-round submission.[37]
Dana White's Contender Series
Piccininni appeared on Dana White's Contender Series 69 and faced Jack Duffy, winning his fight via a controversial split decision.[38] Despite the win, Dana White didn't offer Piccininni a UFC contract although he did offer him a chance to rematch Jack Duffy at a later stage in the season. [39]
Piccininni was scheduled to face Jack Duffy at Dana White's Contender Series 76 on October 15, 2024 in a rematch of their first fight, [40] however Jack Duffy had to withdraw however due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by undefeated prospect Luis Gurule.[41] Piccininni lost the fight via split decision.[42]
