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Aaron Pico Set for Short-Notice UFC Debut Against Lerone Murphy at UFC 319

Arriving on three weeks’ notice as a DraftKings favorite, Pico can secure a path to the featherweight title with a win.

Aaron Pico lands a left on Adli Edwards during his third-round TKO victory in their 150-pound catchweight fight at Bellator 277 on April 15, 2022, in San Jose. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
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Overview

  • Aaron Pico steps into the UFC 319 co-main event in Chicago after Movsar Evloev’s withdrawal left him three weeks to prepare.
  • Dana White publicly backed Pico’s co-main slot, saying fans have long been eager to see his UFC debut.
  • DraftKings lists Pico as a −250 favorite against Murphy (+205), reflecting market confidence in his arrival.
  • Undefeated Lerone Murphy (16-0-1), ranked No. 6 at 145 lbs, calls the late opponent change a “blessing” and sees victory as his ticket to a title shot.
  • Pico’s build-up blends his elite wrestling and boxing pedigree, a public fallout with PFL’s Donn Davis over inactivity rights, and his role as a single father.