Aaron Pico eyes summer UFC return, wants Lerone Murphy rematch

The former Bellator standout is ready to build on his first UFC win over Patricio Freire.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and striking exchanges of a UFC fight, with sharp planes of color and form representing the raw action and energy of the competition.Aaron Pico's quest for redemption against Lerone Murphy takes shape in a cubist deconstruction of their previous clash in the octagon.Los Angeles Today

After getting knocked out by Lerone Murphy in his UFC debut, Aaron Pico rebounded with a unanimous decision win over fellow ex-Bellator fighter Patricio Freire at UFC 327. Pico is now eyeing a return to the octagon as soon as this summer, and he still has his sights set on a rematch with Murphy down the line.

Why it matters

Pico is an up-and-coming prospect in the UFC's featherweight division, and his first UFC win over the veteran Freire was an important step in his development. A summer return and potential rematch with Murphy would give Pico a chance to further establish himself as a rising contender in the 145-pound weight class.

The details

Pico (14-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was able to mix his wrestling and boxing skills to earn a decisive unanimous decision victory over Freire at UFC 327. After getting knocked out by Murphy in his octagon debut at UFC 319, Pico is now looking to keep the momentum going with a quick turnaround, targeting a return in either July or August.

  • Pico made his UFC debut at UFC 319, where he was knocked out by Lerone Murphy.
  • Pico earned his first UFC win over Patricio Freire at UFC 327.
  • Pico is targeting a return to the octagon in either July or August 2026.

The players

Aaron Pico

A 29-year-old American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC's featherweight division. Pico is an up-and-coming prospect looking to build on his first UFC win.

Lerone Murphy

A British mixed martial artist who defeated Pico by knockout in Pico's UFC debut at UFC 319.

Patricio Freire

A Brazilian mixed martial artist who Pico defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“Probably July or August – I want to keep the ball rolling. That's what I want to do is fight and just keep getting the experience. Of course I can make (UFC 329). I didn't get beat too bad this fight. I'm a little sore, but other than that, I'm good. So we'll see.”

— Aaron Pico, UFC Fighter

“The Top 15, anybody is a great fight, so I'm just staying patient. Of course I want my rematch with Lerone eventually, and I would love the Movsar (Evloev fight). I would love all the top guys. Anything to get me closer to the title and getting the experience, I'm all for it.”

— Aaron Pico, UFC Fighter

What’s next

Pico is targeting a return to the octagon in either July or August 2026 as he looks to build on his first UFC win and potentially secure a rematch with Lerone Murphy.

The takeaway

Aaron Pico's first UFC win over Patricio Freire has him eyeing a quick turnaround this summer, with the 29-year-old prospect still hoping to avenge his previous loss to Lerone Murphy and continue his climb up the featherweight rankings.