Aaron Pico Faces Tough Challenge in UFC 319 Debut Against Lerone Murphy

Former Bellator standout Aaron Pico is set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut on August 16, 2024, at UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois. Initially slated to face undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, Pico will now take on the equally formidable Lerone Murphy, who boasts an impressive record of 16-0-1. This matchup serves as the co-main event, featuring a title fight between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.

Pico, 28, holds a professional record of 13 wins and 4 losses, with 9 of those victories coming by knockout. He is also a former amateur golden gloves boxing champion and a medalist in freestyle wrestling. Following a career-altering defeat in his MMA debut, Pico has demonstrated resilience and skill, making him one of the most promising fighters in recent years.

The change in opponent has raised eyebrows, particularly from former UFC fighter Josh Thomson, who expressed confusion over Pico’s decision to face Murphy instead of Evloev. On the Weighing In Podcast, Thomson remarked, “I have no idea why you took this fight. You went from Evloev, who’s basically considered to be the number one contender. Stylistically, this is a tough fight.”

Murphy, primarily known for his striking, presents a different challenge compared to the grappling-heavy Evloev. Despite being ranked lower than Evloev, Murphy has proven his mettle by defeating established contenders like Josh Emmett in his last outing. With eight consecutive wins in the UFC, Murphy remains a formidable opponent.

Thomson believes the matchup may not favor Pico as much as the original fight. He noted, “I wanted to see the Evloev fight because the two of them can wrestle. The boxing favors Pico a little bit.” He emphasized that Pico will need to close the distance effectively and avoid letting Murphy dictate the pace from the outside.

This shift in opponents may have significant implications for Pico’s career trajectory. While an initial bout against Evloev could have solidified his status among the elite, a victory over Murphy would also demonstrate his ability to adapt and compete at a high level in the UFC.

Meanwhile, Evloev, currently the number one contender in the featherweight division, continues to build his case for a title shot. With a professional record of 19-0 and a perfect 9-0 streak in the UFC, he has secured wins over notable fighters, including former champion Aljamain Sterling and Arnold Allen. Despite his lack of finishes, Evloev’s performance has garnered support from the reigning champion, Alexander Volkanovski, who has advocated for Evloev to be his next challenger.

As UFC 319 approaches, all eyes will be on Pico as he steps into the octagon under the spotlight, seeking to make a statement in his debut against a tough opponent. The fight promises to deliver excitement and showcase the dynamic talents of both competitors.