Aaron Pico stated his desire to face either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy in his next bout. Pico noted that a previously planned fight with Evloev did not materialize because Evloev fell ill, but expressed well wishes for the Russian fighter and interest in eventually facing him. He also mentioned wanting a rematch with Lerone Murphy, believing he was winning their previous encounter. The post suggests it may be premature for Pico to face Evloev at this stage but indicates support for the Murphy rematch.
Aaron Pico wasted little time after his UFC 327 victory, immediately calling out two of featherweight's biggest names — Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy — and signaling his intent to push into the division's upper tier.
Pico, 29, carries a 14-5 record into the callout and trains out of the renowned Jackson-Wink MMA camp. The American stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. His most striking statistical attribute is an elite takedown rate of nearly nine takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more dangerous grapplers in the featherweight division, though his striking accuracy sits at 44 percent.
Regarding Evloev, Pico acknowledged that a previously scheduled matchup between the two fell through after the Russian fell ill, and he expressed goodwill toward Evloev while keeping the door open for a future clash. Evloev, 32, is the top-ranked featherweight contender and remains undefeated at 20-0. Training out of American Top Team, the Russian averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and has never lost as a professional — a record that makes any callout in his direction a significant step up.
Pico also expressed belief that he deserves a rematch with second-ranked contender Lerone Murphy, claiming he was winning their first encounter. Murphy, nicknamed "The Miracle," holds a 17-1-1 record and represents England's Manchester Top Team. The 34-year-old lands 4.34 significant strikes per minute at a 51 percent accuracy rate, among the sharper outputs in the division.
Why it matters
- Evloev is the number-one contender at featherweight and unbeaten in 20 fights, making a matchup with Pico a steep ask at this stage.
- A Murphy rematch carries narrative weight given Pico's belief he was ahead in their prior meeting, and Murphy sits just one spot below the title picture at number two.
- Pico's elite takedown volume would present a distinct stylistic challenge for either opponent, both of whom also possess strong wrestling credentials.
