Aaron Pico’s highly anticipated UFC debut did not go as planned, as he was stopped in the first round by Lerone Murphy at UFC 319. After a fast start that saw Pico press forward with aggressive striking and heavy wrestling pressure, he left an opening that Murphy capitalized on with a perfectly timed spinning elbow knockout at 3:21 of Round 1. The defeat was a setback, but Pico’s pedigree as a world-class wrestler, his explosive athleticism, and his proven finishing ability in Bellator ensure he remains a valuable addition to the featherweight division. At just 28 years old, Pico still has time to rebuild, refine his game, and work his way toward contention.
Next up for Pico should be a matchup with Josh Emmett. Ranked #8 in the featherweight division, Emmett is a veteran striker with proven knockout power who has faced some of the best in the world, including Yair Rodríguez, Ilia Topuria, and Calvin Kattar. Emmett is coming off a decision loss to Murphy earlier this year, putting both men in a position where they need to rebound. The timing and circumstances make this pairing ideal for both fighters to prove where they stand in the crowded featherweight landscape.
Stylistically, Pico vs. Emmett is a can’t-miss fight. Pico’s world-class wrestling and explosive pressure will clash with Emmett’s thunderous counterpunching and ability to shut down opponents with one shot. Both men thrive in high-paced, violent fights, making this the type of matchup that guarantees fireworks. The UFC could easily place this bout on a pay-per-view main card or as the headliner of a Fight Night, appealing to both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
Last Five Fights – Aaron Pico:
1. Loss to Lerone Murphy – KO (spinning back elbow), UFC 319 (August 16, 2025)
2. Win over Henry Corrales – TKO (punches), PFL vs. Bellator (February 24, 2024)
3. Win over Pedro Carvalho – TKO (punches), Bellator 299 (September 23, 2023)
4. Win over James Gonzalez – Decision (unanimous), Bellator 295 (April 22, 2023)
5. Loss to Jeremy Kennedy – TKO (shoulder injury), Bellator 286 (October 1, 2022)
Last Five Fights – Josh Emmett:
1. Loss to Lerone Murphy – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN: Emmett vs. Murphy (April 5, 2025)
2. Win over Bryce Mitchell – KO (punch), UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
3. Loss to Ilia Topuria – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria (June 24, 2023)
4. Loss to Yair Rodríguez – Submission (triangle choke), UFC 284 (February 12, 2023)
5. Win over Calvin Kattar – Decision (split), UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Emmett (June 18, 2022)