Aaron Pico has stated he wants to fight either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy next. Pico mentioned that a bout with Evloev was previously scheduled but didn't happen because Evloev fell ill, and Pico wishes him well. Regarding Murphy, Pico expressed interest in a rematch, claiming he believes he was winning their previous fight. The post suggests the call-outs may be premature but notes that a Murphy rematch could be a viable option.
Aaron Pico is wasting no time after his win over Pitbull, calling out two of the featherweight division's biggest names. The 29-year-old American has publicly stated he wants to fight either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy next, citing unfinished business with both men.
Pico, who trains out of Jackson-Wink MMA, carries a 14-5 record and has built a reputation as one of the more dangerous wrestlers in the featherweight division. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, he averages nearly nine takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a consistent threat on the mat. His striking volume sits at 3.88 significant strikes per minute, though his 44 percent accuracy suggests he can be more selective.
Evloev is the more ambitious target of the two. The Russian standout from American Top Team enters as the number-one ranked featherweight with a flawless 20-0 record. At 32, the five-foot-seven Evloev averages 3.91 significant strikes per minute and 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat in any matchup. Pico noted that a fight between them had previously been arranged but fell through after Evloev fell ill, and said he wished him a full recovery.
The Murphy angle carries more personal weight. Pico has stated he believes he was winning their earlier contest and wants the chance to settle it definitively. Murphy, ranked second at featherweight and representing Manchester Top Team, holds a 17-1-1 record and lands 4.34 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy. The 34-year-old Englishman, standing five-foot-nine with a 73-inch reach, has the output and precision to test any featherweight on the roster.
Why it matters
- Evloev is the top-ranked featherweight, making that matchup a potential title eliminator
- A Murphy rematch at number two in the rankings would also carry significant divisional weight
- Pico's elite takedown volume of nearly nine per 15 minutes poses a stylistic challenge for either opponent
- Both call-outs remain unconfirmed and may be premature given Pico's current ranking status
