Aaron Pico suffered a brutal first-round knockout at <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC 319 on Saturday, prompting Islam Makhachev to publicly support the promising fighter. Pico, who recently signed with the UFC and faced Lerone Murphy in Chicago, is determined to come back stronger despite the setback.
Earlier this year, Aaron Pico was set to debut in the UFC’s featherweight division against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at a Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi. However, Evloev withdrew, and Pico was rescheduled to fight Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319. Murphy delivered a stunning spinning back elbow at 1:41 of the opening round, knocking Pico unconscious and securing a dramatic victory in front of a surprised audience at the United Center.
After the fight, Pico took to social media to address fans and supporters, acknowledging the tough loss while expressing gratitude for the ongoing encouragement he receives. He wrote,
”Last night wasn’t my night, that’s the fight game. 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. @ufc”
In response, Islam Makhachev encouraged Pico by commenting,
”Head up champ”
Makhachev himself is preparing for a major challenge, as he is slated to fight Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 this November in Madison Square Garden. His show of support highlights the camaraderie among fighters despite competition, signaling the respect Makhachev holds for Pico’s potential.
Advice from Dustin Poirier Encourages Strategic Fighting Approach
Former rival of Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, also weighed in on Aaron Pico’s UFC 319 knockout defeat. Speaking during the post-fight show, Poirier emphasized the importance of pacing and tactical preparation in the octagon for Pico to reach his full potential.
He suggested that Pico’s aggressive style could benefit from more patience and calculated moves rather than charging in immediately, stating,
”He’s all in when he fights. When he’s coming in to throw these combinations, he’s sharp, but he’s explosive…So, I would like to see a little middle ground, him filling out the shots, setting them up, being a little bit more patient because he has the skills and he believes in it. That’s why he’s going forward like he does. But you have to set it up against this caliber of fighter. You can’t just rush in there, jump in there, throwing 100% every punch. You have to make them guess. You have to set traps. You have to make them, make mistakes, then put them away.”
This perspective points to the need for Pico to adapt his approach when facing high-level opponents, focusing more on strategy and baiting errors instead of relying solely on explosive offense.
The Road Ahead for Aaron Pico and Its Wider Impact
Pico’s knockout loss at UFC 319 is a reminder of the challenges fighters face when stepping up competition levels, especially transitioning from other promotions like Bellator into the elite UFC landscape. Despite the setback, Pico’s vow to return “sharper, stronger, and better prepared” reflects his resilience and commitment to growth.
Support from established fighters like Islam Makhachev and seasoned veterans such as Dustin Poirier highlights the close-knit nature of the MMA community where losses are seen as lessons rather than endpoints. Pico’s experience at UFC 319 will likely inform his training and strategic adjustments moving forward.
As Islam Makhachev prepares for a title opportunity in New York, the sport continues to evolve with new talents like Pico entering the fray. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Pico responds to this early career hurdle and how his style matures against top-tier competition.