A featherweight bout between No. 6 ranked Lerone Murphy and promotional newcomer Aaron Pico served as Saturday’s UFC 319 co-main event.
Murphy brought with him an unbeaten record to the United Center in Chicago looking to keep the momentum going. Pico was riding a three-fight winning streak and planned to make a statement in his octagon debut.
Pico pressured Murphy early. He landed his jab. Pico connected with a right hand followed by a body shot. The standout freestyle wrestler pressed Murphy against the cage. Murphy separated. Pico connected with a leg kick. Murphy responded with an elbow on the inside that had Pico looking to get the fight to the ground. He secured a takedown but Murphy quickly got back to his feet.
Pico changed levels and took Murphy down again. Murphy again rose to his feet and separated. Pico landed on the inside. Pico continued to target the body of Murphy. Murphy delivered a spinning elbow that left Murphy unconscious on the canvas. No follow up shots were needed.
The official time of the knockout win was 3:21 of the first round.
