Aaron Pico

UFC’s second-half 2026 slate includes several high-profile matchups that materially shape multiple divisions, including Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, and Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2. ESPN’s fight-center preview and related coverage identify these as the most anticipated bouts still to come, with championship implications at lightweight, heavyweight, and beyond. The same UFC schedule discussion also points to other notable matchups such as Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and Jean Silva vs. Aaron Pico. These bookings matter because they set the title landscape heading into late 2026 and clarify who is next in line across several weight classes.

Tom AspinallJean SilvaIlia TopuriaAaron Pico+5

Nikolai Kiosse, who has sparred with both Petr Yan and Aaron Pico, described the two fighters as being on completely different levels. He noted that Pico's distance-closing is readable and predictable, pointing to the stepping pattern that Cody Murphy exploited with an elbow — a movement Kiosse believes Pico picked up from training with TJ Dillashaw. By contrast, Kiosse praised Yan as a uniquely gifted fighter, highlighting his seamless footwork, defensive wrestling, and ability to continuously chain attacks after committing, referencing his performances against Cory Sandhagen and Merab Dvalishvili as prime examples.

Aaron PicoCory SandhagenMovsar EvloevNassourdine Imavov+4