It wasn’t the finish Aaron Pico, or any of his fans, would have envisioned. The 28-year-old California native entered UFC 319, headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis, carrying big expectations. But his long-awaited UFC debut turned into a nightmare. Facing Manchester’s Lerone Murphy, Pico’s night ended in the worst possible way: a spinning elbow knockout in the opening round.
According to one commentator, the strike knocked the air out of Pico before he even hit the ground! Concern spread quickly as footage showed him lying motionless, with cage side officials rushing to his aid. Reports later confirmed that the UFC’s medical team transported Pico to the hospital. Some clarity finally emerged when Dana White addressed the situation at the post-fight press conference.
Asked about Pico’s condition, the UFC president replied, “Pico was transferred, and I haven’t heard anything about Geoff. I think he’s okay.” White was referring to Geoff Neal, who also suffered a brutal first-round KO via spinning elbow, this one delivered by Carlos Prates.
April 19, 2023, Honolulu, HI, Hawaii, USA: HONOLULU, HAWAII – APRIL 18: Aaron Pico addresses the media ahead of his Featherweight bout during Bellator 295 – Stots vs Mix at Blaisdell Arena on April 22nd, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Honolulu, HI USA – ZUMAp175 20230419_zsa_p175_009 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
Offering a bit more detail on Pico, White added, “I’m no doctor, but I’m gonna say he has a concussion for sure. But we haven’t heard anything back about anything.”
The post UFC 319 Doctors Rush Aaron Pico & Others to Local Chicago Hospital as Dana White Issues Medical Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.