Aaron Pico has stated he wants to fight either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy next. Pico revealed that a bout with Evloev was previously scheduled but didn't happen because Evloev fell ill. Pico wishes him well and remains interested in that matchup. Additionally, Pico expressed interest in a rematch with Lerone Murphy, claiming he believes he was winning their previous fight. The post suggests it may be premature for these callouts, though a Murphy rematch could be viable.
Following a victory on the Bellator card, Aaron Pico has publicly called out two of the UFC featherweight division's top names, stating he wants to fight either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy next.
Pico, 29, carries a 14-5 record and competes out of Jackson-Wink MMA. The American stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach and has built a reputation as a relentless offensive wrestler, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. He noted that a fight with Evloev had previously been arranged but fell through after the Russian fell ill, and he expressed goodwill toward Evloev while making clear the matchup still interests him. Pico also stated he wants a rematch with Murphy, believing he was ahead on the scorecards in their prior meeting.
Lerone Murphy, ranked second in the UFC featherweight division, is one of the more durable and consistent performers in the 145-pound ranks. The 34-year-old Englishman from Manchester Top Team owns a 17-1-1 record and lands 4.34 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy — among the better output and efficiency figures in the division.
Movsar Evloev sits one spot above Murphy at number one in the featherweight rankings and remains undefeated at 20-0. The 32-year-old Russian, training out of American Top Team, averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and has never tasted defeat as a professional.
Why it matters
- Evloev is the top-ranked featherweight contender and an unbeaten prospect; a fight with Pico would carry genuine title-picture implications
- Murphy at number two represents another elite-level target, and a rematch carries a built-in narrative from their contested previous encounter
- Pico's elite takedown volume would test the grappling defenses of either opponent, though the gap in UFC ranking and experience between him and both fighters is significant
