Aaron Pico is gearing up for a significant challenge in his upcoming UFC debut as he faces the unbeaten Movsar Evloev in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi scheduled for July 26 at Etihad Arena. This matchup was first reported by @JamieTheoMMA and promises to be an exciting affair.
Pico, who holds a record of 13 wins and 4 losses, enters the Octagon riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories, including impressive first-round knockouts against Henry Corrales and Pedro Carvalho. Although he faced some early career hurdles, including a swift loss in his debut, Pico has cultivated a reputation as a formidable finisher, earning him considerable attention during his time in Bellator.
On the other hand, Evloev boasts an undefeated record of 19-0 and aims to secure a UFC title shot after winning all nine of his bouts within the organization. His most recent victory was against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Despite his impressive track record against notable fighters like Arnold Allen and Dan Ige, Evloev is seeking his first finish in the UFC, a factor that has somewhat impacted his visibility among fans.
UFC Abu Dhabi will also feature a main event between former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and former ONE Championship two-division titleholder Reinier de Ridder, alongside a lineup that includes matches featuring Petr Yan, Bryce Mitchell, and Nikita Krylov.
This event not only marks a critical moment for Pico but also adds depth to a compelling fight card, highlighting the rising talent within the UFC. As these fighters step into the Octagon, fans can look forward to high-stakes excitement and potential breakthroughs for both competitors.