UFC 319: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico Preview & Prediction
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The co-main event takes place in the featherweight division, as undefeated Englishman Lerone Murphy takes on the UFC’s hottest new prospect in Aaron Pico.
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico facts
What time are Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? United Center, Chicago, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 319
What TV channel is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev main card
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page (Middleweight)
Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev prelims
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Baysangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan (Middleweight)
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (Lightweight)
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
Lerone Murphy: Undefeated Mancunian searching for a title shot
Lerone Murphy (16-0-1) steps in on just three weeks’ notice after Aaron Pico’s original bout with Movsar Evloev fell through at UFC Abu Dhabi in late July. Despite the short turnaround, Murphy is known for staying in the gym year-round and enters ranked #6 in the featherweight division.
The 34-year-old Mancunian is coming off a five-round decision win over Josh Emmett in his first UFC main event. That victory extended his unbeaten run in the promotion to eight fights, following a debut draw back in 2019. His resume includes impressive wins over top names like Dan Ige and Edson Barboza.
Murphy is an exceptionally well-rounded mixed martial artist. He combines sharp, technical striking with excellent takedown defence and underrated wrestling. His main criticism lies in his lack of finishing instinct, having gone the distance in his last five wins — but his ability to control and outpoint top-level opposition is undeniable
Aaron Pico: UFC debutant could be the division’s dark horse
Aaron Pico (13-4) enters the UFC as one of the most hyped prospects in recent MMA history. A former National Junior Golden Gloves boxing champion and Olympic alternate in freestyle wrestling, the 28-year-old American boasts elite credentials in both disciplines.
Pico arrives on a three-fight winning streak under the Bellator and PFL banners, including two first-round TKO finishes. A powerful and explosive athlete, he blends Olympic-level wrestling with legitimate knockout power. Furthermore, recent performances suggest that he seems to have fallen in love with his striking.
Despite his immense potential, Pico is yet to be tested at the elite level. His four career losses show he can be caught, and this bout marks a significant step up in competition.
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico prediction
This fight is extremely interesting as we finally get to see one of the hottest talents in MMA outside the UFC compete at the highest level. While Aaron Pico has the more decorated martial arts background and arguably a higher ceiling in terms of potential, he hasn’t been tested against truly elite opposition. He also already has four losses on his record.
We’ve seen a similar story recently with Patchy Mix, who was dominant in Bellator but struggled in his UFC debut against Mario Bautista at UFC 316. These kinds of transitions can be tricky, as weaknesses that went unexposed in other promotions are quickly punished under the UFC lights.
Lerone Murphy, on the other hand, hasn't tasted defeat and has already gone five rounds in two UFC main events. He’s proven, composed, and well-rounded, which is exactly why I’m backing the Manchester man to grind out a decision win over the American.
Prediction: Lerone Murphy to win by decision
