Aaron Pico has released a statement after his UFC debut ended in defeat on Saturday, as Lerone Murphy knocked him out with a brutal spinning back elbow.

Aaron Pico reacts to his UFC 319 debut loss to Lerone Murphy, assuring fans of his health and promising a stronger comeback after the setback.

Lerone Murphy kept his unbeaten record intact and further established himself as a featherweight contender with a first-round knockout win over Aaron Pico in the co-main event of UFC 319.

Aaron Pico's long-awaited UFC debut came with the possibility of an immediate title shot with a win. Instead, the former uber prospect and Bellator MMA star was knocked out cold in spectacular and violent fashion at UFC 319 in Chicago .

Our UFC 319 picks don't think Aaron Pico successfully transitions from Bellator when he goes toe to toe vs. Lerone Murphy

The Whittier native takes another step in his pursuit of a lifelong dream when he faces undefeated Lerone Murphy in the UFC 319 co-main event in Chicago.

Aaron Pico is one step closer to his octagon debut after making weight for the UFC 319 co-main event against Lerone Murphy.

Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC 319, we are going to see a huge matchup in the featherweight division where the winner will likely vault right into the title picture. It will be the highly anticipated octagon debut of Aaron Pico (13-4) who is jumping right into the thick of things at 145 as he’s taking on the unbeaten Lerone Murphy (16-0-1).