The co-main event of 319 features an exciting 145-pound matchup between Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico. Pico makes his long-awaited UFC debut while Murphy looks to extend his winning streak to nine.
Here is my best bet for the co-main event of UFC 319 between Murphy and Pico.
Aaron Pico to Win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission (+240)
Pico enters the UFC winning nine of his previous 10 fights. He has knocked out his last two opponents, but hasn’t fought since February 2024. Pico was like many former Bellator fighters who became inactive once the PFL merger occurred. However, he is still 28 years old, and his best days are yet to come.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Pico is a -185 favorite with Murphy being a +154 underdog. In Pico’s career, 11 of his 13 victories in his career have been won by finish. Pico is allergic to boring fights, as he has never fought to a decision; all 17 of his professional MMA bouts have ended via submission or knockout.
Although we have recently seen a few Bellator fighters struggle in their UFC debuts, Pico has a chance to stand out from that group. It would be truly shocking if Pico’s versatile skill set didn’t translate in the UFC. Yes, his opponent, Lerone Murphy, is highly talented and presents a formidable challenge.
Murphy is 16-0-1 and has won eight straight fights in the promotion. Pico is 28 years old, six years younger than Murphy. But even though he is still young, Pico isn’t wasting any time getting to the top of the sport. Pico’s first two wins were won via first-round knockout. Since Pico has two submissions since 2020, getting him to win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission at +240 is an excellent play.
