Aaron Pico’s expected UFC debut will materialize against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319, which will take place in Chicago. The announcement was made by the promotion this Saturday.
Pico, with a record of 13-4, was originally scheduled to face Movsar Evloev at a UFC Fight Night event. However, Evloev had to withdraw earlier this month. Pico, a long-standing figure in Bellator MMA, publicly requested that the UFC schedule him a new fight as soon as possible.
The 145-pound category fight against Murphy (16-0-1) will be the co-main event of UFC 319, scheduled for August 16 in Chicago.
This change represents a notable modification for the featherweight division. Despite not having been a champion in Bellator, Pico has long been considered one of the best fighters outside of the UFC.
At 28 years old, Pico was once considered one of the most promising prospects in MMA history, with an impressive amateur wrestling and boxing record.
Initially, he was expected to face Evloev, who is ranked as the number one contender in the division. Now, Pico will face Murphy, who, although undefeated, is positioned lower in the rankings than Evloev.
Currently, the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, does not have his next title defense scheduled.
