Aaron Pico’s anticipated UFC debut will take place against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319 in Chicago, the promotion announced on Saturday.
Pico (13-4) was originally going to face Movsar Evloev (19-0) at UFC Fight Night, but Evloev had to withdraw earlier this month. Pico, a prominent figure in Bellator MMA, publicly requested that the UFC schedule him a new fight as soon as possible. His 145-pound bout against Murphy (16-0-1) will be the co-main event of UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago.
This change represents an interesting turn for the entire featherweight division. Pico, although never a champion in Bellator, has long been considered one of the best fighters in the world outside the UFC. At 28 years old, he was once considered possibly the best prospect in MMA history, with extensive recognition in amateur wrestling and boxing. In Evloev, he would have faced the number one contender in the division. Now, he will turn his attention towards Murphy, who is undefeated but ranked below Evloev. The current featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, does not yet have his next title defense scheduled.
