Aaron Pico, the freshest face in the UFC’s featherweight league and an ex-Bellator phenom, was set to embark on his inaugural UFC combat against the untamed Movsar Evloev. The match, however, was postponed due to an injury Evloev contracted while preparing for this eagerly awaited battle, which has subsequently delayed Pico’s first appearance in the Octagon. The original plan had envisioned Pico and Evloev as the co-headliners in a grueling five-round showdown in UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. Yet, Evloev backed out after sustaining injuries in the training period.
Now, fast forward a few weeks, Pico is alluding to a possible new schedule for UFC 319 on August 16. Pico took to social media to ventilate his disappointment and proposed an alternative timing for the contest. His post was blunt and to the point: ‘Won’t sugarcoat things, it’s a massive let-down that you withdrew from this fight. I realizes accidents happen and wish you a quick recovery from whatever you’re dealing with. However, my training camps come at a price, and I’m eager to step into the Octagon and deliver a memorable performance. I see a slot for us in Chicago on August 16th.’
Pico’s exasperation was palpable in his comments, emphasizing that fighters don’t climb the ladder by dropping out due to maladies. Pico addressed Evloev directly, declaring he’ll meet him in the Windy City. The impending bout holds the promise of an electrifying duel. Pico, now officially integrated into the UFC at 28, isn’t dampening his high spirits and aspirations.
Even prior to stepping inside the octagonal cage, Pico has hinted at grand visions, believing that he could rapidly climb the ladder to become a top ranking combatant, or even seize the championship in a year’s time. ‘In my estimation, I could reach the champion’s throne in a year,’ Pico enunciated. He didn’t hold back when addressing the current featherweight kingpin, Ilia Topuria, specifically concerning the latter’s striking skills.
Proud of his boxing lineage, Pico boldly claimed, ‘Topuria definitely has commendable fists, but I don’t think his skills measure up to mine, if I’m to be totally straightforward.’ Topuria has since transitioned to the lightweight category and shown no inclination of reverting to featherweight. While he’s remained silent in the face of Aaron Pico’s recent comparison of their boxing techniques, a rebuttal from Topuria could spark a fiery verbal sparring match sure to captivate fans.