It was a brutal start to life in the UFC for Aaron Pico, but he has the support of some big names in the promotion.
Pico entered the Octagon at UFC 319 this past Saturday night looking to make an immediate impact on MMA’s biggest stage.
To secure a quick title shot, the ex-Bellator standout was looking to become the first man to beat Lerone Murphy in the pay-per-view’s co-main event. Instead, though, Pico was viciously knocked out by Murphy’s spinning back elbow in round one.
The 28-year-old is no doubt devastated after falling to such a brutal fate on debut, but he is not short on support in the aftermath.
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Justin Gaethje sends encouraging message to Aaron Pico after UFC 319
The result at Chicago’s United Center saw Pico unable to go one better than other former Bellator stars who joined the UFC but lost in their first fights, such as Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix.
Like the Brazilian legend, the American will be looking to bounce back in his second fight, and UFC lightweight star Justin Gaethje is seemingly confident in his ability to do so.
After Pico issued his first statement on UFC 319 and his debut setback, Gaethje appeared in the comments section to send a supportive message to his peer.
‘The Highlight’ insisted that Pico is among the world’s best at 145 pounds, and the UFC 319 knockout did nothing to change that in his eyes.
“Crazy game. You one of the best in the world, I don’t doubt it for a sec,” Gaethje wrote.
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Justin Gaethje is not Aaron Pico’s only prominent supporter after UFC 319
Gaethje was not alone with his backing of the ex-Bellator contender following UFC 319.
Pico also received a message from Islam Makhachev, who left encouraging words in the comments section alongside ‘The Highlight’ and a number of other notable MMA figures.
“Head up champ,” Makhachev wrote.
“See you soon, champ,” UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik commented.
“Head up champ!! Excited for the next one,” ex-UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt posted.
“Nothing changed my brother. Love you,” Pico’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, wrote.
The likes of Gable Steveson, Payton Talbott, Joel Alvarez, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez were also among those sending supportive messages.