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Tag: Aaron Pico

  • Aaron Pico Admits His UFC Debut Approach Was ‘Just Unnecessary’ and Explains What Changed Against Pitbull

    Aaron Pico Admits His UFC Debut Approach Was ‘Just Unnecessary’ and Explains What Changed Against Pitbull

    Aaron Pico felt the weight of his entire UFC future riding on his performance against Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327, and he was not keeping that pressure to himself.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting, Pico was candid about the mental reality of walking into only his second UFC fight already feeling like a must-win situation after a brutal knockout loss in his debut against Lerone Murphy, who ended the fight with a spinning back elbow just over three minutes in.

    “For sure, it was a must win. My job was on the line. That’s the way I felt,” Pico said. “It’s a scary thought knowing that hey, if you drop this match, you may be cut. You never know. That was never said to me, so I was just speculating. Maybe I didn’t need to do that, but yeah, I needed to win. That’s just bottom line.”

    He pointed to the cautionary example of Patchy Mix, a fellow Bellator veteran who joined the UFC with significant fanfare and was released after going 0-2. Pico recognized that hype has no protective value in a results-driven organization.

    “Nobody is special. You can be cut at any time. I don’t take it for granted. I don’t feel special in any way.”

    Pico also identified what went wrong in the Murphy fight and what he changed against Pitbull. He described his debut approach as unnecessarily reckless, acknowledging that his aggressive style looked dominant right up until it got him knocked out.

    “The first two minutes was crazy. If I would have just taken a step back, used my footwork, took him down again, held him down, eventually he would have gone out. But everything happens for a reason. I had to really assess my game.”

    Against Pitbull, Pico was more patient and tactically disciplined while still delivering the entertainment he is known for. The result was a shutout victory and his first top 15 ranking from the UFC.

    He also described a mental reset he gave himself walking into the arena for the Pitbull fight, drawing on the Murphy experience as a reference point rather than a source of fear.

    “The worst thing has happened to me in the UFC. I was on one of the biggest cards of the year, got knocked out in front of probably millions of people watching. So next time, when you step into that cage in a few hours, just let it flow. Exactly how you sparred, do it in the cage and enjoy it.”

  • Former UFC Champ Feels “Very Sad” for Aaron Pico Amid “Worrisome” Post-UFC 319 Situation

    Former UFC Champ Feels “Very Sad” for Aaron Pico Amid “Worrisome” Post-UFC 319 Situation

    Aaron Pico sustained a brutal knockout loss in his UFC debut and a former multi-time bantamweight champion in the promotion who has worked with Pico before has weighed in on that situation. Appearing on the JAXXON Podcast, TJ Dillashaw discussed Pico’s devastating defeat by way of a spinning back elbow to Lerone Murphy in one of the more hotly discussed fights from UFC 319 which went down on August 16th from Chicago.

    When touching upon his anecdotal experience with the former Bellator MMA star in terms of things Pico does well and what he could improve on for subsequent octagon outings, Dillashaw said [via MMA Junkie],

    “The first time I ever trained with Aaron Pico was when I moved back down here and started training with Sam Calavitta, and from day one, I was like, ‘This kid could be a champion.’ He is so good because he’s an insanely good wrestler and his boxing is just awesome. He drops bombs. He’s got an awesome liver shot.”

    “He looked really good in this fight. But again, I’m going to go back to [feints]. Pico was putting things together. His technique was great and his pressure was awesome, but he’s just moving forward without any feints. He’s not making Murphy guess on what he’s throwing. Pico has now been knocked out a few times and he gets caught with another, back-to-back, spinning back elbow. He walks right into it.”

    Aaron Pico “has everything there is to be a champion”, but is “so tense when he’s fighting”

    While expressing how much effort Pico puts into his training preparations and how he could further optimize his efforts within the heat of live UFC competition, Dillashaw stated [via MMA Junkie],

    “Like, I work hard. This guy, it’s insane how hard he works with Sam Calavitta at the gym. He puts everything into this thing. I’m very sad for him because he’s a very talented guy. He’s been knocked out a few times now, which is worrisome. Pretty heavy knockouts. It’s just some small things he could do a little bit better. He’s so tense when he’s fighting. He’s got this tunnel vision that he’s looking for knockouts constantly.”

    Also, the former UFC titleholder praised Pico as someone who could also hoist UFC gold above his head someday and in addressing the UFC 319 situation while eyeing a more uplifting path forward, Dillashaw quipped [via MMA Junkie],

    “Aaron Pico has everything there is to be a champion, it’s just some small tweaks and changes that he can make. I hope he bounces back from this because I love the guy. He’s an amazing human being. He works his ass off. He’s very talented. Total bummer to have this happen.”

  • Aaron Pico’s KO loss: UFC Hall of Famer Horrified by Knockout at UFC 319

    Aaron Pico’s KO loss: UFC Hall of Famer Horrified by Knockout at UFC 319

    UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on Aaron Pico‘s nasty knockout defeat in the co-main event of UFC 319 last weekend.

    On Saturday night, Aaron Pico walked right into trouble against Lerone Murphy. While he may have had a positive start to the first round of their encounter in Chicago, things fell apart pretty quickly. He was being quite aggressive in pursuit of his shots and his takedowns, and ultimately, that cost him the fight as a spinning elbow knocked him out cold.

    Aaron Pico was out like a light for quite some time, causing a great deal of concern from mixed martial arts fans and pundits alike. Thankfully, he eventually got back to his feet, as Murphy prepares to move on to a UFC featherweight championship fight against Alexander Volkanovski at the end of the year.

    In the immediate aftermath of the event, Daniel Cormier weighed in on what it was like to see Pico go through that kind of loss.

    Daniel Cormier’s view on Aaron Pico

    “I’m a wrestler, I’ve known Aaron Pico since he was a little boy. That was a bad knockout. His teeth were clenched together, they couldn’t get the mouthguard out. That’s very concerning for Aaron Pico. He’s been knocked out now multiple times, and when he’s gotten knocked out, he’s gotten knocked out really bad.

    “So, a little concerned on the Pico side. But, hats off to Lerone Murphy for coming through in his biggest spot ever.”

    Get well soon, Aaron.

  • Aaron Pico Issues First Statement On Crushing KO Loss To Lerone Murphy At UFC 319, Vows Redemption

    Aaron Pico Issues First Statement On Crushing KO Loss To Lerone Murphy At UFC 319, Vows Redemption

    Aaron Pico has already set his sights beyond the sting of his devastating defeat.

    This past Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, Pico’s Octagon debut was derailed in brutal fashion, as undefeated featherweight Lerone Murphy sealed a stunning first-round knockout in the UFC 319 co-main event.

    Pico came out aggressive from the opening bell, pressing Murphy with sharp punches and heavy pressure. He mixed in a clinch and even tested his wrestling, but Murphy stayed composed, breaking free and firing back with clean shots, including a sharp knee to the body.

    Moments later, “The Miracle” unleashed a thunderous spinning elbow that crashed flush on Pico’s chin, instantly folding the UFC newcomer. As the 28-year-old Californian hit the canvas motionless, Murphy added a single follow-up strike before the referee intervened, sealing one of the night’s most spectacular finishes.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Aaron Pico Promises Bounce Back After UFC 319 Knockout Loss

    Aaron Pico entered 2025 as one of the UFC’s most hyped newcomers, but his dream debut ended abruptly when Lerone Murphy floored him with a highlight-reel knockout.

    The featherweight hopeful addressed the setback on social media on Sunday, assuring fans of his health while promising that the lessons learned from defeat would fuel his return as a stronger, more prepared fighter.

    “Last night wasn’t my night, that’s the fight game,” Aaron Pico posted on Instagram. “I’m grateful for my team, my family, and everyone who continues to support me. The supporters that have been there from day one and my new supporters, I see you! Thank you.

    “Wins and losses both teach lessons and I’ll come back sharper, stronger, and better prepared. Thank you all who have sent messages and checked in, my health is well. Thanks for riding with me. My story is not over.”

    he defeat drops Pico to 13-5 in his professional career, with 11 of those victories coming by way of finish, all secured during his run under the Bellator MMA banner.

    Image: @aaronpicousa/Instagram

  • “See You In December” – Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, And Other Fighters & Fans React As Lerone Murphy Gives UFC 319 A Second Straight Spinning Back Elbow KO

    “See You In December” – Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, And Other Fighters & Fans React As Lerone Murphy Gives UFC 319 A Second Straight Spinning Back Elbow KO

    It was crazy enough when Carlos Prates unleashed a spinning back elbow on Geoff Neal for a Knockout of the Year contender. One fight later, we get a second kind of spinning elbow — a UFC first, and one that potentially will give Lerone Murphy a title shot.

    Murphy took advantage of Aaron Pico’s aggression and scored a spinning back elbow to score a first-round knockout in the UFC 319 co-main event.

    Pico came out with strong strikes from the start, looking to bring the fight to Murphy and connecting on the body. Murphy, however, troubled Pico with a knee that landed in close.

    “The Miracle” picked up on Pico’s forward movement and caught him being careless, landing a surprise spinning back elbow that dropped Pico out cold in devastating fashion.

    Lerone Murphy Blasts Aaron Pico With Elbow For KO At UFC 319

    Murphy now improves to 17-0-1, having won every bout in the Octagon since going to a draw in his UFC debut.

    This was Pico’s debut in the UFC since coming over from the PFL, having just one fight there following PFL’s purchase of Bellator in late 2023. Pico hadn’t fought since defeating Henry Corrales at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions card in February 2024.

  • UFC 319 Results & Highlights: Khamzat Chimaev Decisions Dricus du Plessis

    UFC 319 Results & Highlights: Khamzat Chimaev Decisions Dricus du Plessis

    UFC 319 took place tonight from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

    In the main event, Dricus du Plessis looked to defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev. While in the co-main event, Lerone Murphy took on Aaron Pico in a featherweight matchup. 

    UFC 319 Results: Main Card

    • Middleweight Championship: Khamzat Chimaev def. Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision (50-44×3) 
    • Featherweight: Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico via KO: R1, 3.21 
    • Welterweight: Carlos Prates de. Geoff Neal via KO: R1, 4.59
    • Middleweight: Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
    • Flyweight: Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura via submission: R2, 4.39

     
    Preliminary Card

    • Middleweight: Baysangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan via submission: R2, 2.01
    • Middleweight: MichaƂ Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert via TKO: R1, 3.03
    • Women’s Strawweight: Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
    • Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper via TKO: R1, 4.58

    Early Preliminary Card

    • Lightweight: Drakkar Klose def. Edson Barboza via unanimous decision (29-28×3)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa via unanimous decision (29-28×3)

    Flyweight: TUF Finale: Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris via submission: R2, 3.04

    Preliminary Card Highlights

    Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris

    In the opening bout of UFC 319, Joseph Morales won The Ultimate Fighter flyweight finale with a submission in round two.

    Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper

    Alexander Hernandez earned a first-round TKO.

    MichaƂ Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert

    MichaƂ Oleksiejczuk picked up a first-round TKO in this middleweight bout.

    Baysangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan

    Baysangur Susurkaev earned a submission win on his UFC debut.

    Main Card Highlights

    Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura

    Tim Elliott submitted Kai Asakura in the second round of this flyweight bout.

    Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier

    In this middleweight bout, Michael Page got it done on the scorecards against Jared Cannonier.

    Carlos Prates de. Geoff Neal

    Carlos Prates got the KO right at the end of round one.

    Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico

    In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy earned a huge KO in the first round.

    Khamzat Chimaev def. Dricus du Plessis

    In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev earned a unanimous decision to win the middleweight title.

  • Aaron Pico recalls entertaining story regarding his son ahead of UFC debut

    Aaron Pico recalls entertaining story regarding his son ahead of UFC debut

    UFC newcomer Aaron Pico has recalled an amusing conversation with his son as he prepares for his first appearance with the promotion this weekend.

    On Saturday night, Aaron Pico will compete in the co-main event of UFC 319 in Chicago. He’ll do so against Lerone Murphy, who is currently undefeated and could be just one win away from a shot at the UFC featherweight championship.

    For Aaron Pico, this is all about proving he belongs in the big dance. He was more than willing to square off with Movsar Evloev but now that it isn’t going to happen, beating Murphy is still a pretty good sign that he’s ready to mix it up with the very best at 145 pounds.

    In his media day interview earlier this week, Aaron Pico spoke about his son’s point of view on him competing in the UFC.

    Aaron Pico reflects on amusing conversation with his son

    “It’s always funny to explain to somebody that just doesn’t get it,” Pico said. “I have a funny story, my son is four years old and we watch the fights all the time and when I told him, ‘Dad’s going to fight in the UFC on TV,’ he said, ‘Wow, Dad, you’re finally a professional.’

    “I said, ‘Yeah, dad’s finally a professional.’ It’s funny, but now it’s going to be-I don’t really tell people when I’m out in public, they always ask me, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I just say, ‘I’m an artist’ and I don’t go into detail. Then if they pry, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m a fighter.’ 

    “Then you tell them back then I fought for this organization, they’re like, ‘OK, so one day you’ll be in the UFC.’ I said, ‘Yeah, one day I’ll be in the UFC.’ Now if I get that question, it’s just, ‘Yeah, I’m a UFC fighter.’ The conversation is, like, ‘Wow, you’re big time and blah blah blah,’ but it feels good.”

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico Named UFC 319 Co-Main Event

    Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico Named UFC 319 Co-Main Event

    Finally, three weeks before it’s scheduled to go down in Chicago, UFC 319 has its co-main event. It’ll be one that features an unbeaten fighter welcoming a Bellator veteran to the Octagon.

    The UFC 319 co-main event will see Lerone Murphy taking on Aaron Pico. The announcement was confirmed during the UFC Abu Dhabi broadcast.

    This comes after the plans for Pico’s awaited UFC debut fell through. Pico was originally booked to face Movsar Evloev, but the fight fell through twice. Originally booked for UFC Vegas 106, the bout was moved to UFC Abu Dhabi. Less than two weeks out, however, Evloev withdrew due to injuries.

    UFC 319 Co-Main Event Sees Aaron Pico Make Octagon Debut vs. Lerone Murphy

    Pico signed with Bellator in 2017 and competed exclusively under their banner before the promotion was purchased by the PFL in 2023. After going 12-4 in the promotion, Pico fought once under the PFL banner, finishing Henry Corrales at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions event in February 2024.

    Murphy is 16-0-1 in his professional MMA career, having drawn in his first UFC bout and having scored victories ever since. Murphy comes into this contest off a decision win over Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105 in April.

    UFC 319 will be headlined by Dricus Du Plessis defending the UFC middleweight championship against Khamzat Chimaev.

  • Movsar Evloev Reportedly Withdraws From UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Against Aaron Pico

    Movsar Evloev Reportedly Withdraws From UFC Abu Dhabi Bout Against Aaron Pico

    Movsar Evloev’s anticipated return to the Octagon is reportedly in jeopardy.

    According to a report from Red Corner MMA, Movsar Evloev has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled matchup against promotional newcomer Aaron Pico at the UFC Abu Dhabi event on July 26.

    The undefeated Russian reportedly pulled out due to an undisclosed injury or health issue sustained during his training camp in Thailand, resulting in the bout’s cancellation less than two weeks out from Fight Night event at the Etihad Arena.

    As of now, it remains unclear whether Pico will remain on the fight card with a short-notice replacement or if the matchup will be rescheduled for a later date altogether.

    The UFC Abu Dhabi event is set to be headlined by a pivotal middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. The main card also features the return of former bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan, who takes on rising contender Marcus McGhee, while Shara Magomedov is slated to meet Marc-André Barriault in a middleweight showdown.

    Image: @ufc/Instagram

    When Was Movsar Evloev’s Last UFC Appearance?

    Movsar Evloev was last seen in action at UFC 310 this past December, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. The win improved his UFC record to a perfect 9-0 and extended his overall unbeaten streak to 19-0.

    Evloev was widely regarded as a potential title challenger to reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, but instead of waiting for a shot at gold, he opted to stay active by accepting a matchup against Aaron Pico, a bout that has now unfortunately been called off.

    Image: @ufc/X
  • New UFC Signing Aaron Pico Backs Jean Silva For Next Title Shot Over Movsar Evloev

    New UFC Signing Aaron Pico Backs Jean Silva For Next Title Shot Over Movsar Evloev

    According to UFC newcomer Aaron Pico, Jean Silva’s destruction of Bryce Mitchell is enough to warrant a title shot.

    The featherweight gold returned to Alexander Volkanovski at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which was headlined by a clash for the belt vacated by Ilia Topuria.

    To begin a fresh reign on the 145-pound throne, Volkanovski got the better of charging contender Diego Lopes across five rounds in Miami. And though the Australian’s victory is just days old, it hasn’t taken long for focus to turn to what could await him next.

    For many, that should be a showdown with the undefeated Movsar Evloev, who has beaten Lopes, Arnold Allen, and Aljamain Sterling consecutively to stake his claim.

    During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, however, Pico pointed to another figure in the featherweight top 15 as a more “exciting” option for the UFC and “Alexander the Great.”

    “Honestly, I think Jean Silva,” Pico said. “He’s 5-0 in the UFC with five finishes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the title shot. He put on a great performance (at UFC 314). The crowd loved him and he’s starting to get a lot of fans. And I think he’s very exciting.

    “Movsar is a great fighter, of course. But I think to the fans, it’s very, very boring,” Pico added.

    Silva continued his surge up the ladder on MMA’s biggest stage at UFC 314 by choking out the controversial Mitchell on the main card.

    With significant hype behind his name, perhaps “Lord” could be in for a shock rise to title challenger next time out.

  • Report: Aaron Pico To Make UFC Debut At The Apex Against Undefeated Contender

    Report: Aaron Pico To Make UFC Debut At The Apex Against Undefeated Contender

    Former Bellator standout Aaron Pico appears set to be thrown into the deep end on MMA’s biggest stage.

    Pico quickly made a name for himself as an all-out entertainer after debuting as a professional at Bellator 180 in 2017. The Californian went on to compete 16 times for the promotion before it was acquired by the PFL, defeating the likes of Leandro Higo and Pedro Carvalho.

    The 28-year-old fought once post-PFL purchase, defeating Henry Corrales on the PFL vs. Bellator card in February 2024. After a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Pico joined the likes of Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix in publicly criticizing the PFL and requesting their release.

    Pico ultimately got his wish at the start of this year and soon made his way to the UFC, where a tough test seemingly awaits him on debut.

    According to Red Corner MMA, the former freestyle wrestler will enter the Octagon for the first time to do battle with the undefeated Movsar Evloev, the current #4-ranked featherweight in the UFC.

    Much to the dismay of fans and pundits alike, the report also puts Aaron Pico’s debut on the UFC Fight Night card set for the low-capacity Apex venue on May 17.

    Reactions to the news has varied, with some focusing on the opportunity ahead of Pico and others slamming the UFC for putting him on an Apex card.