Aaron Pico Debuts in UFC Against Lerone Murphy in Chicago
Aaron Pico’s anticipated UFC debut has been confirmed. He will face Lerone Murphy at the UFC 319 event in Chicago, as announced by the promotion on Saturday.
Pico (13-4) was scheduled for his first UFC appearance against Movsar Evloev at a UFC Fight Night. However, Evloev had to withdraw earlier this month. Pico, a prominent figure from Bellator MMA, requested the UFC to reschedule a fight for him as soon as possible. His featherweight bout against Murphy (16-0-1) will be the co-main event of UFC 319, on August 16 in Chicago.
This change generates expectations in the featherweight division. Pico, despite not having been a champion in Bellator, is recognized as one of the best fighters outside the UFC. At 28 years old, he was considered one of the most promising prospects in the history of mixed martial arts, with an outstanding career in amateur wrestling and boxing.
Originally, Pico was to face Evloev, who is in the first place of the division’s ranking. Now, he will face Murphy, undefeated but with a lower position in the ranking.
The current featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, does not yet have his next title defense scheduled.
