Aaron Pico’s UFC debut did not go as planned, but he still has plenty of support from within the organisation.
Pico made his first appearance in the Octagon at UFC 319 on Saturday night, hoping to make an immediate impression in front of a global audience.
Hoping for a quick path to a title shot, the former Bellator standout aimed to become the first man to beat Lerone Murphy. Instead, the British fighter handed him a harsh welcome with a spinning back elbow knockout in the first round of the co-main event.
It was far from the start Pico wanted, and while that defeat will sting for some time, he has not lacked support since.
Justin Gaethje backs Aaron Pico after UFC 319 loss
Pico was not able to break the pattern set by other ex-Bellator fighters like Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix, who also lost their first UFC bouts. But like Pitbull, Pico will be hoping to rebound in his next fight.
One person who believes he can do just that is UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje.
Pico posted a statement after his debut defeat at UFC 319, and Gaethje responded in the comments with a few supportive words.
“Crazy game. You one of the best in the world, I don’t doubt it for a sec,” ‘The Highlight’ wrote.
Support pours in for Aaron Pico following UFC 319 defeat
Gaethje was not the only big name to show support for Pico after his debut loss at UFC 319.
Islam Makhachev also shared some encouragement, posting a simple message in the comments alongside the lightweight star and several other MMA personalities.
“Head up champ,” Makhachev posted.
Play-by-play commentator Jon Anik added: “See you soon, champ.”
Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt posted: “Head up champ!! Excited for the next one.”
“Nothing changed my brother. Love you,” also wrote Pico’s manager Ali Abdelaziz.
Pico also had messages of support from Gable Steveson, Payton Talbott, Joel Alvarez, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
