Aaron Pico already checked off one of many main bins in the direction of his purpose of changing into a UFC world champion. On Saturday, he tries so as to add one other.
The longtime Bellator standout signed with the UFC shortly earlier than UFC 314 in April, and is now set to make his long-awaited octagon debut in opposition to Lerone Murphy within the co-main occasion of UFC 319 in Chicago. Pico was initially slated to face Movsar Evloev at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, however Evloev was pressured to withdraw from the competition.
Days after Pico’s signing went public, Alexander Volkanovski regained the featherweight title with a call victory in opposition to Diego Lopes. Ought to all go properly on Saturday, and Pico will get the decision to function Volkanovski’s subsequent title challenger, the 28-year-old says he welcomes the chance to face, in his opinion, one of the best fighter within the division’s historical past.
“I really feel I match up very properly with Volkanovski, and I imagine I can beat him,” Pico advised MMA Preventing. “The facility that I’ve in my fingers, I can get him, and he’s by no means fought a wrestler like me, However yeah, he, for my part, he’s the best featherweight of all time. What he’s been capable of do, to lose the title, then regain the title, I imply that takes loads and particularly [when] he’s getting up there in age, to have the ability to compete at a excessive stage, I’ve lots of respect for him.
“However on the finish of the day, he has what I need, and it’s that belt. So if I’ve to take out Alexander Volkanovski, and I get the chance to do it, I’m going to take him out.”
The change of opponents from Evloev to Murphy was made public three weeks previous to UFC 319, because it was coincidentally introduced throughout the UFC Abu Dhabi broadcast. “The Miracle” hops on the comparatively brief discover alternative with an unbeaten report over 17 professional fights. In his most up-to-date outing, Murphy defeated Josh Emmett through unanimous determination in the principle occasion of UFC Vegas 105 in April.
Previous to that, Murphy picked up a call win over Dan Ige at UFC 308 this previous October, in addition to a victory in opposition to Edson Barboza in his first ever UFC fundamental occasion at UFC Vegas 92 in Could 2024.
Whereas Murphy might not have the general accolades that Evloev has, Pico has been impressed with what he has achieved, particularly over his previous three fights.
“They’re all nice champions, they’re all nice fighters,” Pico stated. “Yeah. it’s an entire totally different type, however to be straight, I like combating runners. I like guys which have good footwork. Actually, I like that, however he’s going to be a troublesome man to determine, particularly early on. However I imagine my wrestling is best, and my grappling, and my hanging, however I’m not taking him flippantly or something like that.
“You take a look at the blokes that he’s fought, the Dan Iges, the Josh Emmetts, the Barbozas, and these guys are one of the best on this planet, and he’s overwhelmed all of them. So, yeah, no stroll within the park. …
“It’s an even bigger card, much more folks [watching], It’s a pay-per-view. The one factor I’m actually not glad about is it’s a three-round [fight]. I desire a five-rounder, however you’ll be able to’t all the time get what you need.”
As of now, Volkanovski’s first title protection in his present reign as champion has but to be introduced. To get to a potential combat in opposition to one of many all-time greats, Pico understands he must care for enterprise in his introduction to the UFC, and the rabid fan base this Saturday in The Windy Metropolis.
“I believe, on the finish of the day, I simply received to go on the market and do my job,” Pico defined. “In case you take a look at all my fights prior to now, they’re all thrilling, and I’m not placing stress on myself, like I’ve received to do that, I’ve received to do this.
“I do know I’ve to go on the market and combat like Aaron Pico, and when Aaron Pico fights, he’s thrilling. So I simply need to let my work converse for itself, and I do know after Aug. 16, the followers, the UFC goes to know why they signed me as a result of I’m one of the best fighter on this planet at 145 kilos.”
