Aaron Pico Makes UFC Debut Against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319

Aaron Pico, a highly regarded MMA prospect with a 13-4 record and a strong background in amateur wrestling and boxing, will make his UFC debut against undefeated featherweight Lerone Murphy at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, 2025. Originally scheduled to fight top contender Movsar Evloev, who withdrew due to injury, Pico’s bout with Murphy will now serve as the co-main event. Murphy enters the fight with an impressive 16-0-1 record and an eight-fight winning streak, including a recent win over former title challenger Josh Emmett. The matchup is expected to be a physical and strategic contest, contrasting Pico's striking skills against Murphy's wrestling and boxing. UFC 319 will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev, with other notable fights on the card including Michael 'Venom' Page versus Jared Cannonier. Pico’s debut is highly anticipated as he transitions from Bellator, where he was considered one of the best fighters outside the UFC but never held a championship.