It’s safe to say Aaron Pico’s UFC debut didn’t go as planned.
But then again, his MMA debut didn’t work out that well, either, and he managed to quickly turn things around. That, no doubt, is what the 28-year-old wrestling standout will be looking to do after he was knocked out cold in his first fight in the promotion in Saturday’s UFC 319 co-main event at United Center in Chicago.
Pico (13-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) took the fight against featherweight replacement opponent Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC), who stepped in for Movsar Evloev on just about three weeks’ notice. He had won nine of his past 10 Bellator fights before that promotion was shuttered by the PFL, and the one loss was from an injury.
He came to the UFC as a highly touted Bellator free agent, like several others before him, and Murphy ended his night with a spinning back elbow that likely will be a contender for Knockout of the Year.
Pico on Sunday posted on social media that his health was OK and vowed the experience of the loss will make him a better fighter.
“Last night wasn’t my night, that’s the fight game,” Pico posted on Instagram. “I’m grateful for my team, my family, and everyone who continues to support me. The supporters that have been there from day one and my new supporters, I see you! Thank you. Wins and losses both teach lessons and I’ll come back sharper, stronger, and better prepared. Thank you all who have sent messages and checked in, my health is well. Thanks for riding with me. My story is not over.”
Pico went 13-4 under the Bellator banner, including one fight under PFL branding. He has 11 of his 13 wins by stoppage, including nine knockouts. He came into his UFC debut with back-to-back first-round knockouts of Pedro Carvalho and Henry Corrales, but it had been 18 months since his win over Corrales – his most recent appearance.
In his MMA debut in 2017, he was submitted in just 24 seconds by Zach Freeman at Bellator NYC in Madison Square Garden. It was a major upset after a big build-up for Pico as Bellator’s first “blue-chip prospect” that the company and then-owner Viacom planned to build into a superstar. Pico went pro in MMA without a collegiate wrestling career. After he finished high school as the country’s top wrestler, he essentially turned pro by signing endorsement deals that included with top-shelf company Nike.
He endured the turbulence of a major upset loss in his high-profile MMA debut, and a 4-3 start as a pro. And now, according to his post, he’ll have to learn some new lessons in the current speed bump.
