Overview

• Murphy accepted the fight when Movsar Evloev withdrew to face Aaron Pico in the UFC 319 co-main event on August 16 at Chicago’s United Center.
• Murphy called the short-notice booking a blessing that spared him weeks of mental prep.
• Murphy has vowed to finish Pico decisively to reinforce his standing as a top contender and fast-track his bid for a featherweight title shot.
• Pico arrives unranked in his UFC debut after a Bellator run marked by early knockout losses and a recent rebound following training at Jackson Wink MMA Academy.
• Analysts view the bout as a title eliminator that could set up a matchup with champion Alexander Volkanovski.