Calling Pico the toughest opening minutes he has ever faced, Murphy said he turned his opponent’s aggression against him. UFC President and CEO Dana White clearly approved, handing Murphy a $50,000 performance bonus, while commentator Daniel Cormier went a step further — suggesting Murphy might just be ready for a title shot.

Lerone Murphy got the highlight moment he was hoping for, while spoiling the debut of Aaron Pico in the UFC 319 co-main event.

Alexander Volkanovski looks to capitalize on ‘unpredictable’ Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 By Scott Fontana Published July 4, 2023, 8:30 a.m. ET

Aaron Pico has not wasted any time making his intentions clear in the UFC. The former Bellator standout enters the promotion with a decorated wrestling pedigree and wants to test it against divisional champion Alexander Volkanovski.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski warns Aaron Pico that he's a different level. Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) said he's confident that he has the skillset to knock out Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC), and that the champion has never faced anyone with his wrestling caliber.

Alexander Volkanovski had a fiery response to a UFC 319 newcomer who is promising to upset the apple cart. Before Khamzat Chimaev challenges Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event, a number of other ranked names and charging contenders will be in action at Chicago’s United Center.