Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Reinier De Ridder vs Robert Whittaker Announced, Movsar Evloev vs Aaron Pico To Decide Who Faces Volkanovski Next!

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Aaron Pico, a former Bellator standout and one of MMA’s most hyped prospects, is finally stepping into the UFC Octagon. He is known for his explosive striking and world-class wrestling pedigree, and has been viewed as a future star, despite never capturing a title in Bellator or in PFL. His UFC signing in April 2025 marked a pivotal moment, as Pico aims to prove he belongs among the elite in the world’s most prestigious MMA promotion.

Pico’s debut, scheduled for July 26, 2025, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi promises to be a defining moment. He is facing a formidable opponent in the co-main event and his transition to UFC is not going to be easy by any means. With a card that is headlined by Robert Whittaker versus Reiner de Ridder, the Etihad Arena will host a night of high-stakes action, highlighting Pico’s chance to make an impact right out of the gate in the featherweight division.

Pico Faces Undefeated Evloev in Five-Round UFC Bout

Pico’s UFC debut puts him against No.4 ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev in a five-round co-main event, which is a bold matchmaking decision but it also shows the UFC’s confidence in his potential. Evloev boats a perfect 19-0 record and has taken down some of the top names in the division including Arnold Allen, Aljamain Sterling, firmly positioning him as a likely title contender against champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Movsar Evloev has accepted a 5 round Co Main event against Aaron Pico‼️

July 26th, Abu Dhabi📍

Via @JamieTheoMMA pic.twitter.com/d71n8vbkYC
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 23, 2025

UFC’s President Dana White praised Pico as a “ridiculously violent striker and a very-high level grappler,” noting his status as a top free agent. This matchup underscores the promotion’s high expectations, as Pico will now face an undefeated opponent, which could put him in a tough spot.

Pico had called out Sterling and Brian Ortega after signing but was initially rumored to go up against Evloev for May, which fell through. Pico’s wrestling background and finishing makes him a dangerous opponent. However, Evloev’s grappling-heavy style and his endurance pose a very hard test, with a potential title shot on the line for the Russian. This high-stakes debut could catapult Pico into contention if he wins, or solidify Evloev’s path to the featherweight belt even further.

🗣️ Dana White:

“If Movsar can get the victory [against Pico], he will likely be the next contender for the title against Alexander Volkanovski.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/EGs3jQ9FPB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 18, 2025

Aaron Pico

Movsar Evloev

Reinier de Ridder

Robert Whittaker

UFC

UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

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