Lerone Murphy stole the spotlight in the co-main event of UFC 319, stunning fans with a first-round knockout over Aaron Pico. He timed a perfect spinning back elbow that sent Pico crashing to the canvas.
The co-main event of UFC 319 also delivered a thrilling performance as Aaron Pico faced Lerone Murphy in a highly anticipated featherweight bout at the United Center in Chicago on August 16, 2025.
Aaron Pico who recently signed with UFC following departure from PFL entered UFC 319 with a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in MMA, known for his explosive wrestling and knockout power. Over the past couple of years, Pico has had some memorable victories that solidified his standing. In February 2024, he faced Henry Corrales in a high-stakes PFL/Bellator matchup and dominated the fight, earning a first-round ground-and-pound victory at 4:53. This performance reminded fans why he is considered a future star in the featherweight division. Prior to that, Pico squared off against Pedro Carvalho at Bellator 299, where he once again impressed with a first-round TKO, showcasing not only his striking but also his composure in the cage. He also secured a unanimous decision win over James Gonzalez at Bellator 295, demonstrating that he can go the distance and maintain control throughout three rounds
Lerone Murphy his opponent has built a reputation as a technically skilled and undefeated fighter in the featherweight division. Leading up to UFC 319, he amassed a string of impressive victories. Most recently, in April 2025, Murphy faced Josh Emmett at UFC Fight Night. He outperformed Emmett across five rounds, using precise striking and solid defense to earn a unanimous decision victory. The win reinforced his status as a top contender and kept his undefeated streak intact. In May 2024, Murphy squared off against veteran striker Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night. This bout tested his skills, but Murphy delivered once again, taking a unanimous decision victory and showcasing his sharp striking. Before that, in October 2024, he defeated Dan Ige at UFC 308 via unanimous decision, controlling the fight with consistent pressure and clean, accurate striking
From the opening bell of UFC 319 fight, Pico wasted no time imposing his will, he showed he wasn’t there to play he charged forward, landed body shots, and even secured takedowns against Murphy. Then, in a flash, everything turned upside down. Pico marched forward, ready to let his hands go, but Murphy stayed calm and pulled the trigger at just the right time. He whipped around with a spinning back elbow that landed flush on Pico’s chin. The shot stopped him in his tracks, his body stiffened, and he fell backward like the lights had just been switched off. At exactly 3:21 into the first round, Pico was out cold before even hitting the ground,
The finish was as sudden as it was spectacular, it’s one of those knockouts destined for highlight reels for years to come. UFC President Dana White wasted no time rewarding Murphy with a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, cementing his arrival as a true contender in the featherweight division.
For Murphy, this wasn’t just another win, it was a statement. He entered UFC 319 as the underdog against a debuting fighter many pegged as a future star, yet left the Octagon with the kind of emphatic finish that flips the narrative. For Pico, it was a harsh welcome to the UFC, and one that will test his resilience moving forward. With this victory, Lerone Murphy didn’t just beat Aaron Pico, he put the entire featherweight roster on notice.
Main card
Khamzat Chimaev def. Dricus du Plessis via UD (50-44 x3)
Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico via first-round KO (3:21)
Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal via first-round KO (4:59)
Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura via sub (guillotine) (R2, 4:39)
Prelims
Baysangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan via submission (RNC) (R2, 2:01)
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert via first-round TKO (3:03)
Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper via first-round TKO (4:58)
Drakkar Klose def. Edson Barboza via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idris via submission (triangle) (R2, 3:04)
