Latest news with #AaronPico
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aaron Pico ‘pretty disappointed' Movsar Evloev dropped out of their fight at UFC Abu Dhabi
Aaron Pico won't be making his long awaited debut in July as scheduled. On Thursday, the former Bellator fighter confirmed recent rumors that Movsar Evloev was dropping out of their scheduled fight at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. It's unfortunate news with the featherweights expected to serve as a marquee, five-round co-main event on that card but now the bout has been at least delayed. That's because Pico also hinted at rebooking the fight against Evloev at UFC 319, which takes place three weeks later on Aug. 16 when the promotion lands in Chicago for a card headlined by middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis taking on Khamzat Chimaev. 'Not going to sugarcoat it. I'm pretty disappointed you pulled out of this one,' Pico wrote on Instagram. '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, Movsar Evloev.' The UFC has yet to address the situation much less confirmed if there are plans in place to potentially rebook Pico and Evloev for the card in Chicago. Evloev also hasn't acknowledged his withdrawal from the card or what exactly happened to force him to drop out of the fight with Pico. Obviously, Pico is anxiously awaiting word with hopes that he can still get the fight against Evloev in his highly publicized UFC debut after signing with the promotion in free agency. The 28-year-old fighter has widely been considered one of the best prospects to ever transition into MMA after he competed in both wrestling and boxing during his youth. Pico is currently riding a three-fight win streak including back-to-back knockouts in his most recent appearances with a 9-1 record in his past 10 fights with his only loss coming after he suffered a shoulder injury that forced a stoppage in his bout against Jeremy Kennedy in 2022. As for Evloev, he's widely regarded as the top contender in the featherweight division with an unblemished resume including wins over Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes and Aljamain Sterling. Despite reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski pushing for a title fight against Evloev, the promotion ultimately decided to give him Pico instead. There's no word yet how quickly the UFC might move on rebooking Pico vs. Evloev for a new date or if the matchup gets scrapped all together after falling off the card in Abu Dhabi. More from Jon Jones wants to face 'whoever's holding the belt' at heavyweight on UFC White House card 'I can't quit staring': Pros react to alleged Conor McGregor explicit photo leaks Gordon Ryan issues fiery response to Craig Jones announcing retirement, leaving team Dana White teases next UFC broadcast deal 'likely' going with 'platform that is way more global' Video shows PFL featherweight champion Timur Khizriev being shot 5 times in wild scene Paulo Costa calls out Khamzat Chimaev for sliding into girlfriend's DMs: 'I want to hurt him' Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold, Tony Ferguson booked for Misfits Boxing 22
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
'Disappointed' Aaron Pico calls for scrapped Movsar Evloev bout to be rebooked at UFC 319
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.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC Abu Dhabi suffers major blow as Evloev vs. Pico pulled from card
The post UFC Abu Dhabi suffers major blow as Evloev vs. Pico pulled from card appeared first on ClutchPoints. The UFC Abu Dhabi event, scheduled for July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, has taken an unexpected hit with the withdrawal of Movsar Evloev from his co-main event fight against rising star Aaron Pico. According to reports, Evloev sustained an injury or health condition during his fight camp in Thailand, forcing him to pull out of what was shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups on the card. This development leaves fans and analysts alike wondering about the impact on the event and what the rest of the fight card holds in store. Advertisement A Promising Clash That Won't Happen for Now Movsar Evloev, undefeated in his professional MMA career with an 18-0 record and 8-0 in the UFC, has been a dominant force in the featherweight division. Known for his grappling prowess and tactical striking, Evloev has steadily climbed the ranks, positioning himself as a top contender. Aaron Pico, on the other hand, is one of the most hyped prospects in MMA, making waves with his explosive style and wrestling pedigree. Their matchup was highly anticipated as a potential featherweight showdown that could shape the division's future. Unfortunately, the injury Evloev sustained during training camp in Thailand has forced the UFC to remove this fight from the Abu Dhabi card. While details about the injury remain scarce, the timing is particularly unfortunate, with less than two weeks to go before the event. There is speculation that the fight may be rescheduled for a later date, possibly aligning with UFC 319 in August, but nothing has been officially confirmed. For Aaron Pico, this is a setback in his UFC journey, as he was set to make a significant statement in this five-round co-main event. Fans will be eager to see how the UFC manages this change and whether Pico will be matched with a replacement opponent or if his debut will be postponed. Advertisement The Rest of the UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card is Still Loaded with Excitement Despite losing the Evloev vs. Pico bout, UFC Abu Dhabi remains a compelling event with several high-profile fights that promise action and intrigue. The main event features a middleweight clash between former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker and the formidable Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker, known for his striking and resilience, faces a stern test against de Ridder, a former ONE Championship titleholder with a strong grappling background. This fight is expected to be a thrilling battle that could have significant implications for the middleweight title picture. The bantamweight division also boasts exciting matchups on this card. Petr Yan, a former UFC Bantamweight Champion, is set to face Marcus McGhee, a rising contender looking to make his mark. Yan's precision striking and experience make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, and McGhee will need to bring his best to challenge the veteran. Advertisement Another bantamweight fight features Bryce Mitchell against Said Nurmagomedov. Mitchell is known for his unorthodox style and slick submission skills, while Nurmagomedov brings a well-rounded game with strong wrestling roots. This fight has potential to be a technical showcase with plenty of grappling exchanges. In the middleweight division, Shara Magomedov is scheduled to fight Marc-Andre Barriault. Both fighters have shown toughness and determination in their careers, promising an entertaining bout for fans. The loss of the Evloev vs. Pico fight is undoubtedly a blow to the UFC Abu Dhabi card, as it was one of the most anticipated matchups, especially for fans eager to see Pico's UFC debut against a top contender. Evloev's withdrawal underscores the physical toll and unpredictability of fight camps, particularly when training in challenging environments like Thailand. However, the UFC has managed to assemble a strong lineup that still offers a mix of veteran presence and rising talent across multiple weight classes. The main event between Whittaker and de Ridder remains a significant draw, and the bantamweight and middleweight fights provide plenty of intrigue. Advertisement For fans, this event will still deliver high-level MMA action, even if the co-main event has changed. The UFC's ability to adapt and keep the card competitive is a testament to its depth of talent and commitment to providing entertaining fights. Related: Azealia Banks airs Conor McGregor's dirty laundry in NSFW birthday post Related: 'The Heel Hook King' Valter Walker does it again, puts the heavyweight division on notice!
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC Abu Dhabi Just Lost a Key Matchup Less Than Two Weeks Out
UFC Abu Dhabi Just Lost a Key Matchup Less Than Two Weeks Out originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A co-main event falls apart just days before UFC's return to Yas Island Less than two weeks out from UFC's long-awaited return to Yas Island, one of the most anticipated fights on the card has been pulled. The event, which was set to showcase a pivotal featherweight clash in the co-main slot, has now been thrown into flux. With travel locked, promotions running, and fight week around the corner, the disruption couldn't have come at a worse time for organizers. Advertisement According to a report from Red Corner MMA, Movsar Evloev has officially withdrawn from his scheduled bout against Aaron Pico. The undefeated Russian reportedly suffered either an injury or undisclosed health issue while training in Thailand—an unexpected blow that ends his Abu Dhabi bid before it could begin. LAS VEGAS, NV- AUGUST 16: Dana White speaks to the media following week 4 of the Dana White Contender Series on August 16, 2022, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) No additional details have been made public, but the development instantly removes one of the card's most intriguing matchups, particularly given what was at stake in the featherweight division. Evloev was widely viewed as a rising contender with a chance to secure a title eliminator. According to multiple sources, Alexander Volkanovski and the UFC were reportedly eyeing Evloev as a potential next opponent, depending on how he performed in Abu Dhabi and what ultimately lands on the table for Volkanovski's next move. Advertisement LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Movsar Evloev of Russia looks on before a featherweight bout against Aljamain Sterling during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) For Pico, the fight represented his long-awaited UFC debut after a strong run with Bellator. Now, with the pairing dissolved, the UFC is in full contingency mode. While the UFC has not confirmed next steps, Dana White and matchmakers will now need to shift focus to the co-main event. Whether they move forward with a short-notice replacement or reshuffle the slot entirely, the promotion is under pressure to keep the Abu Dhabi card intact. Related: Former UFC Champion and Ilia Topuria KO Victim Throws Shade on Undefeated Run Related: New Details Emerge in Jon Jones' Ongoing Legal Saga: Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Pico and Evloev set to collide in potential UFC title eliminator in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: Aaron Pico's UFC era officially begins on July 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The American will take on undefeated contender Movsar Evloev in a five-round, must-watch featherweight showdown with serious title-shot implications, as he makes his eagerly anticipated UFC debut as part of a bumper Fight Night lineup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The longtime MMA featherweight standout was a high-profile, free-agent UFC signing in April this year and there will be no soft entry into the franchise for him; he is diving straight into the deep end against a man whose shot at the featherweight crown is overdue in the eyes of many. Pico, 28, is clearly taking the match-up against 31-year-old Evloev, who is riding high on a nine-fight winning streak since his UFC debut in 2019, very seriously and appears exceptionally well prepared and in phenomenal shape. Evloev, meanwhile, has quietly dismantled some of the featherweight division's biggest and toughest names, including Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes, Dan Ige and, most recently, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Pico is known for his devastating knockout power, with 11 of his 13 career wins the result of a stoppage. Evloev is a master technician, renowned for relentless pressure and precision. While their bout is billed as a classic striker versus grinder matchup, both fighters have evolved in recent bouts, suggesting this could develop into a much more tactical battle than might be expected. A win for Pico would immediately shake up the UFC featherweight division, while a triumph for Evloev would surely secure the long-awaited title shot he deserves. With just a month to go until their showdown, the stakes could not be higher: Pico vs. Evloev is not simply a co-main event, it is a potential springboard to superstardom. As such it is one fight that simply must not be missed. The fight is part of a stacked card headlined by former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who faces highly-rated Dutch standout Reinier de Ridder. Meanwhile, former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan aims to extend his winning streak to three, but heavy-handed foe Marcus McGhee stands in his way in their three-round clash.
