UFC 319: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico

At UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Lerone Murphy faced Aaron Pico in the co-main event at the United Center in Chicago. Murphy stepped in on short notice to replace Movsar Evloev, while Pico made his highly anticipated UFC debut after a successful run in Bellator. Both fighters entered the Octagon with contrasting styles: Murphy known for his precise striking and Pico for his explosive power.

The opening moments of the fight saw Pico take the initiative, landing a strong right hand and following up with heavy body shots. Murphy weathered the early storm, demonstrating impressive composure and solid defense as he absorbed Pico’s aggression and managed to maintain his footing despite the pressure.

As the round progressed, Murphy began to find openings in Pico’s attack, landing sharp counters and controlling the pace with tactical movement. The momentum swung in Murphy’s favor, forcing Pico to overcommit in his striking attempts. It became clear that Murphy was setting up a decisive finish with careful timing and observation.

At 3:21 of the first round, Murphy capitalized on an aggressive advance from Pico. With perfect timing, he delivered a spinning back elbow that connected flush, knocking Pico unconscious and ending the fight instantly. The referee immediately intervened, awarding Murphy the victory by knockout in spectacular fashion.

Following the fight, Murphy received a \$50,000 Performance of the Night bonus from UFC President Dana White and called out reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, signaling his intentions for a title shot. The victory extended Murphy’s unbeaten streak to 18-0-1 and solidified his status as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division, while Pico’s debut highlighted areas for growth in his transition to the UFC.