'Disappointed' Aaron Pico calls for scrapped Movsar Evloev bout to be rebooked at UFC 319

18-07-2025

A post shared by Aaron Pico (@aaronpicousa)
Aaron Pico's UFC debut will be delayed.
Movsar Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) was forced out of his featherweight co-main event against Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC on ABC 9 on July 26 from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Evloev's reason for withdrawing remains undisclosed, but Pico suggests that the pair could be rescheduled for as soon as next month at UFC 319 on Aug. 16 in Chicago – or at least that's what he's hoping for.
"Not going to sugarcoat it. I'm pretty disappointed you pulled out of this one. I get that things happen, and I truly hope whatever's going on, you recover quickly.
That said, my camps aren't cheap, and I'm ready to get in there and put on a show sooner rather than later. I understand there's an opening for us on August 16th in Chicago. We don't get promotions for calling in sick.
I'll see you in Chicago."
Pico's eagerness to compete is understandable, as the former Bellator standout hasn't fought since a finish over Henry Corrales in a lightweight bout in February 2024. Evloev is coming off a unanimous decision win against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling this past December at UFC 310.