Aaron Pico has called out two potential opponents following his recent victory. He expressed interest in facing Movsar Evloev, noting that a previously scheduled bout fell through when Evloev became ill. Pico wished him well and stated he would still like that matchup. Additionally, Pico is seeking a rematch with Lerone Murphy, claiming he believes he was winning their previous encounter. The post includes a poll asking fans whether it's too early for these callouts or if the Murphy rematch makes sense. Details about the specific event or timeline for these potential fights were not provided.
Aaron Pico has set his sights on two high-profile featherweight matchups following his latest victory, calling out both Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy as his preferred next opponents.
Pico, 29, holds a 14-5-0 record and trains out of Jackson-Wink MMA. The American stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. One of his most distinctive weapons is his wrestling volume, averaging an impressive 8.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes — a rate that sets him apart in the featherweight division.
Evloev, ranked first in the featherweight division, remains undefeated at 20-0-0 and represents one of the most compelling matchups available at 145 pounds. The 32-year-old Russian, who trains at American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach. Pico noted that a previous booking between the two fell through after Evloev fell ill, and he has expressed a desire to revisit that fight when the opportunity arises.
Murphy, ranked second in the division, carries a 17-1-1 record and fights out of Manchester Top Team. The 34-year-old Englishman known as "The Miracle" lands 4.34 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy, making him one of the more volume-efficient strikers in the weight class. Pico believes he was winning their prior meeting and wants another crack at settling that score.
Why it matters
- Evloev is the division's top-ranked contender and an unbeaten threat; a win there would instantly elevate Pico's title credentials.
- Murphy sits at number two in the rankings, and Pico's belief that he won their first fight gives the rematch genuine sporting weight.
- Pico's elite takedown volume against two orthodox strikers sets up a compelling grappling-versus-striking dynamic in either potential bout.
