Aaron Pico
USA
Dominates in first UFC victory
Pico defeated Patricio Freire via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) at UFC 327 on Saturday in Miami.
ANALYSIS
Pico made his much-anticipated UFC debut in August, getting knocked out by Lerone Murphy a little over three minutes in. He found himself a -275 favorite here against Pitbull in his second fight with the company and predictably looked much better. It took Pico about a round or so to find his range, but once he did, this fight was all but over. He was twice as explosive as his veteran opponent, landing all the notable blows throughout the course of the fight, in addition to mixing in six takedowns on 13 attempts. Pico, who will be 30 years old in September, remains a freak athlete. When he's flowing to the extent he was this evening, it's not a stretch to call him one of the best featherweight's in the world.
Pico made his much-anticipated UFC debut in August, getting knocked out by Lerone Murphy a little over three minutes in. He found himself a -275 favorite here against Pitbull in his second fight with the company and predictably looked much better. It took Pico about a round or so to find his range, but once he did, this fight was all but over. He was twice as explosive as his veteran opponent, landing all the notable blows throughout the course of the fight, in addition to mixing in six takedowns on 13 attempts. Pico, who will be 30 years old in September, remains a freak athlete. When he's flowing to the extent he was this evening, it's not a stretch to call him one of the best featherweight's in the world.
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Booked for UFC 327
Pico will fight Patricio Freire at UFC 327 on April 11, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Pico was knocked out in his UFC debut by Lerone Murphy, but the former will get another shot at claiming his first win with the company. Pico is nine years younger than Freire and will also have a 3.5-inch reach advantage working in his favor.
Pico was knocked out in his UFC debut by Lerone Murphy, but the former will get another shot at claiming his first win with the company. Pico is nine years younger than Freire and will also have a 3.5-inch reach advantage working in his favor.
Gets knocked out in UFC debut
Pico lost to Lerone Murphy via KO (spinning back elbow) at 3:21 of Round 1 at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.
ANALYSIS
Pico looked good in the early stages of this one, using his wrestling and body work to get out ahead of Murphy. However, his undefeated counterpart was catching him coming in, which may have inspired Murphy to throw the elbow as Pico attempted to change levels. The 28-year-old has as much firepower as anyone in the division, but Murphy may have exposed a hole in his defense, as he frequently walked into range with his hands down during this fight. Pico will need to plug his leaks in a hurry, as his pedigree is unlikely to get him any fights against soft competition. He falls to 13-5-0 in professional MMA due to the loss.
Pico looked good in the early stages of this one, using his wrestling and body work to get out ahead of Murphy. However, his undefeated counterpart was catching him coming in, which may have inspired Murphy to throw the elbow as Pico attempted to change levels. The 28-year-old has as much firepower as anyone in the division, but Murphy may have exposed a hole in his defense, as he frequently walked into range with his hands down during this fight. Pico will need to plug his leaks in a hurry, as his pedigree is unlikely to get him any fights against soft competition. He falls to 13-5-0 in professional MMA due to the loss.
New debut opponent scheduled
Pico will take on Lerone Murphy in a featherweight matchup at UFC 319 on August 16, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Pico hasn't had a fight since February of 2024, when he picked up his second consecutive stoppage victory on the "PFL vs. Bellator" card. Long regarded as one of Bellator's best up-and-comers, Pico is now past "prospect" status at the age of 28 and is immediately getting thrown into the fire in his UFC debut. Murphy may be six years older, but he's undefeated as a pro, and the Manchester-based striker will hold height and reach advantages. He'll arguably be the best opponent Pico has faced off with to date, and the two will get to throw down in a big spot on a pay-per-view card.
Pico hasn't had a fight since February of 2024, when he picked up his second consecutive stoppage victory on the "PFL vs. Bellator" card. Long regarded as one of Bellator's best up-and-comers, Pico is now past "prospect" status at the age of 28 and is immediately getting thrown into the fire in his UFC debut. Murphy may be six years older, but he's undefeated as a pro, and the Manchester-based striker will hold height and reach advantages. He'll arguably be the best opponent Pico has faced off with to date, and the two will get to throw down in a big spot on a pay-per-view card.
Awaiting new challenger
Pico will no longer fight Movsar Evloev at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Pico's UFC debut was set agaisnt Movsar Evloev but an unexpected withdrawal will bring in a new fighter into the octagon. Aaron was facing the No. 4 prospect in his category and will hopefully get another strong rival to kick off his UFC career. More news should surface in the coming days.
Pico's UFC debut was set agaisnt Movsar Evloev but an unexpected withdrawal will bring in a new fighter into the octagon. Aaron was facing the No. 4 prospect in his category and will hopefully get another strong rival to kick off his UFC career. More news should surface in the coming days.
UFC debut scheduled
Pico is scheduled to compete against fellow featherweight Movsar Evloev at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, per the promotion's president Dana White.
ANALYSIS
Fortunately for Pico, the UFC is giving him an immediate chance to establish top contender status. Currently, Evloev is No. 4 in the UFC's featherweight rankings. Even though Pico's next opponent still has room to grow, he is also undefeated in the promotion.
Fortunately for Pico, the UFC is giving him an immediate chance to establish top contender status. Currently, Evloev is No. 4 in the UFC's featherweight rankings. Even though Pico's next opponent still has room to grow, he is also undefeated in the promotion.