The UFC featherweight division is on the brink of a major shakeup, according to former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. With top contenders Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico set to clash in the co-main event of UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, Cejudo believes the winner will earn a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. More than just a title eliminator, Cejudo predicts this bout could signal the end of Volkanovski’s reign and the beginning of a new era.
Cejudo’s Bold Prediction: A New Champion on the Horizon?
Speaking on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Henry Cejudo stated with confidence that the outcome of this co-main event will directly impact the featherweight championship. “The winner of this fight is going to fight Alexander Volkanovski,” Cejudo declared. He highlighted the unique threats posed by both fighters, suggesting that either Murphy or Pico could bring a fresh and formidable challenge to the current champion.
According to Cejudo, the skill sets on display are a perfect storm for a title fight. Murphy’s unorthodox fighting style and powerful wrestling, combined with Pico’s ferocious finishing ability and explosive power, create a scenario where a new champion could emerge.
Analysing the Contenders: Murphy vs. Pico
Lerone Murphy, with his flawless 16-0 professional record and eight victories inside the UFC, has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. His resume includes impressive wins over the likes of Edson Barboza and Josh Emmett, showcasing a relentless style that Cejudo likened to that of Merab Dvalishvili.
On the other side of the Octagon stands Aaron Pico. A former Bellator standout, Pico (13-4) is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. With 11 of his 13 victories coming via stoppage, Pico’s finishing ability is his greatest weapon. Cejudo noted that his seamless blend of powerful striking and wrestling makes him an extremely dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, including the champion.
Volkanovski’s Reign Under Scrutiny
While Alexander Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the best featherweights of all time, his recent performance has raised some questions. With a mixed record of 2-3 in his last five fights—including two losses in lightweight title attempts and a temporary loss of his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria—Cejudo believes the champion is showing signs of vulnerability. Although Volkanovski recently reclaimed the belt with a decision win over “Lopes,” the former champion suggests that his time at the top may be drawing to a close. The winner of Murphy vs. Pico will likely be the one to test that theory.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | UFC 319 (August 16, 2025, in Chicago) |
| Co-Main Event | Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico |
| Cejudo’s Prediction | Winner will challenge featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. |
| Lerone Murphy’s Record | 16-0 (undefeated), 8 wins in the UFC. |
| Aaron Pico’s Record | 13-4, 11 of 13 wins by stoppage. |
| Volkanovski’s Recent Record | 2-3 in his last five fights. |
| Division Stakes | The fight is a crucial title eliminator that could usher in a new featherweight champion. |
What is Henry Cejudo’s prediction for the featherweight division?
Henry Cejudo believes that the winner of the Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico fight at UFC 319 will be the next contender for the featherweight title, and that they have a strong chance of dethroning Alexander Volkanovski.
Who are Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico?
Lerone Murphy is an undefeated UFC fighter with a record of 16-0, while Aaron Pico is a Bellator star with a record of 13-4. Both are considered top contenders in the featherweight division.
What is at stake in the Murphy vs. Pico fight?
The winner of the co-main event at UFC 319 is widely expected to be the next challenger for the UFC featherweight championship.
How has Alexander Volkanovski performed recently?
Volkanovski has a mixed record of 2-3 in his last five fights. He recently reclaimed the featherweight title after losing it to Ilia Topuria.
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