UFC 319 Showdown Between Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico: Odds, Schedule, and Forecast
In the upcoming UFC 319 event on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Aaron Pico is set to make his debut in Dana White's organization as he faces undefeated Lerone Murphy. The odds strongly favour Pico, with a listing around -175 to -180, while Murphy is the underdog at about +140 to +145.
The favouritism towards Pico is primarily due to his more well-rounded skill set, particularly his strong wrestling background and sharp boxing. This versatility makes him a formidable opponent, despite Murphy's undefeated record and higher UFC ranking.
Pico's wrestling pedigree, stemming from his participation in Olympic trials and his status as a top amateur wrestler, gives him a significant advantage. He is expected to control fights, take opponents down, and manage the pace effectively. His superior striking ability, as a former national Golden Gloves boxing winner, adds another dimension to his MMA arsenal, a combination that Murphy has yet to face at this level.
Moreover, Pico boasts a better finishing track record, having finished most of his fights (only 2 of 13 wins by decision), whereas Murphy has won more often by decision. This suggests that Pico has a greater ability to end fights decisively.
Murphy, though undefeated, lacks experience against top-tier opponents, having not yet faced the top five contenders of the featherweight division. Additionally, Murphy stepped in on short notice without a full training camp, which could disadvantage him against a more prepared Pico.
If Pico can land a takedown, it could lead to a victory for him, given his ground-and-pound preferred fighting style. Murphy might face trouble if he fails to knock out Pico quickly, as his grappling and wrestling skills are considered questionable.
The event can be watched via PPV, and the scheduled time for the event is 10:00 p.m. ET. Pico has won 13 fights and lost another three before joining UFC. He is one of seven UFC fighters who are still undefeated in their careers.
The predicted outcome of the match is Aaron Pico by KO/TKO. However, the fight promises to be an exciting one, as both fighters bring their unique skills to the octagon.
Sportsbook odds lean towards Aaron Pico, given his well-rounded skill set in sports like wrestling and boxing, which makes him a formidable opponent for the undefeated Lerone Murphy. Pico's superior finishing track record, versatile MMA arsenal, and potential grappling advantage add to his chances of winning by KO/TKO in the upcoming UFC 319 event.
