The UFC 319 co-main event on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago features a high-stakes featherweight showdown between undefeated contender Lerone Murphy and promotional newcomer Aaron Pico. Murphy looks to extend his unbeaten run and move toward title contention, while Pico seeks to make a statement in his UFC debut after a decorated run in Bellator and a standout wrestling career.

Lerone Murphy

Lerone Murphy (16–0–1) has quietly built one of the most impressive resumes in the featherweight division, defeating a string of ranked opponents with crisp boxing, measured pressure, and impeccable composure. The Manchester native is coming off a unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett in April, where he showcased superior footwork and volume striking over five rounds.

Murphy’s career has been defined by his ability to neutralize dangerous strikers, stay disciplined in his game plan, and avoid taking unnecessary damage. His experience in five-round fights gives him a conditioning edge against most opponents, and his defensive fundamentals make him hard to hit cleanly.

Lerone Murphy – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Josh Emmett – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC on ESPN, Apr 2025)
2. Win vs. Dan Ige – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 308, Oct 2024)
3. Win vs. Edson Barboza – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, May 2024) – Fight of the Night
4. Win vs. Joshua Culibao – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, Jul 2023)
5. Win vs. Gabriel Santos – Decision (Split) (UFC 286, Mar 2023)

Aaron Pico

Aaron Pico (13–4) arrives in the UFC with a reputation as one of the most gifted athletes to enter MMA in the last decade. A former freestyle wrestling world champion at the youth level and Olympic alternate, Pico transitioned to MMA with sky-high expectations. After a rocky start to his career in Bellator, he refined his striking, tightened his defense, and evolved into a ferocious finisher, with nine knockouts and two submissions on his record.

Pico enters this fight on a three-fight winning streak, most recently stopping Henry Corrales in the first round at the PFL vs. Bellator event in February 2024. Known for his explosive boxing combinations, punishing body shots, and takedown threat, he brings a dangerous blend of power and wrestling that could trouble any featherweight on the planet.

Aaron Pico – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Henry Corrales – TKO (Punches) (PFL vs. Bellator, Feb 2024)
2. Win vs. Pedro Carvalho – TKO (Punches) (Bellator 299, Sep 2023)
3. Win vs. James Gonzalez – Decision (Unanimous) (Bellator 295, Apr 2023)
4. Loss vs. Jeremy Kennedy – TKO (Shoulder Injury) (Bellator 286, Oct 2022)
5. Win vs. Adli Edwards – TKO (Punches) (Bellator 277, Apr 2022)

Stylistic Matchup

Murphy is a patient counter-striker with excellent distance management, while Pico thrives in high-pressure situations where he can close the distance and unleash power shots or level-change into takedowns. Murphy’s jab, movement, and ability to keep opponents at range will be key in neutralizing Pico’s aggressive entries.

For Pico, the path to victory lies in mixing his striking and wrestling seamlessly. If he can force Murphy to fight off the back foot, create clinch exchanges, and threaten with takedowns, he can disrupt the Englishman’s rhythm and open up knockout opportunities.

Prediction

This is a dangerous fight for Murphy, as Pico’s athleticism and power present real knockout potential. However, Murphy has shown elite composure against proven finishers and carries the cardio advantage in a longer fight. If Pico cannot secure an early finish or consistent control time, Murphy’s precision and volume could take over.

Prediction:
Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico via Decision (Unanimous)

Expect a competitive first round with Pico pressing forward aggressively, but Murphy’s discipline, defense, and output should allow him to pull ahead as the fight progresses, maintaining his unbeaten record and solidifying his spot in the featherweight top five.