Aaron Pico Set for High-Stakes UFC Debut Against Undefeated Contender Movsar Evloev at UFC Abu Dhabi

Aaron Pico is finally making his long-awaited UFC debut — and it’s under the brightest of lights against one of the toughest challenges imaginable. The 28-year-old former Bellator star will face unbeaten Russian standout Movsar Evloev in the five-round co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, taking place at the Etihad Arena.

The matchup was first reported by @JamieTheoMMA and later confirmed by the UFC, who officially announced the stacked main card for their return to the UAE.

Pico (13-4) enters the UFC with a great deal of momentum behind him, riding a three-fight win streak and showcasing his devastating finishing ability with back-to-back first-round knockouts of Henry Corrales and Pedro Carvalho. Originally hailed as one of the most promising prospects in MMA history, Pico burst onto the scene in 2017 with sky-high expectations — only to suffer a shocking 24-second defeat in his debut against the unheralded Zach Freeman.

Since then, Pico has rebuilt himself into a dangerous and well-rounded featherweight contender. Known for his Olympic-level wrestling and explosive striking, he became a standout performer in Bellator, earning his shot at the sport's biggest stage in the UFC.

He’s now faced with a daunting first test in Movsar Evloev (19-0), one of the division’s most consistent and dominant fighters. At 31, Evloev has amassed nine straight wins inside the UFC Octagon and holds victories over a who’s-who of elite competition, including Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, Dan Ige, and Diego Lopes.

Despite his flawless record, Evloev has struggled to capture the public’s imagination due to a lack of finishes. His grinding, suffocating style has proven effective but hasn’t earned him the kind of fanfare that often accelerates a title shot. Still, his win over former bantamweight champion Sterling marked a career-high, and many believe a dominant win over Pico could finally push him into the featherweight title conversation.

For Pico, the fight represents more than just a UFC debut — it’s a chance to live up to the hype that’s followed him since his teenage years and to establish himself instantly as a legitimate threat in one of the most talent-rich divisions in the sport.

Indeed, this co-main event is a compelling clash of styles and narratives — an undefeated tactician with title aspirations against a resurrected phenom with highlight-reel power. The stakes are high, and the world will be watching when these two collide on July 26 in Abu Dhabi.