The UFC has updated its official rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following victories in freestyle wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze surpassed Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a victory over the sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. Aaron Pico broke into the top fifteen at featherweight, while Josh Howitt debuted at fifth in the heavyweight rankings.
The UFC rolled out a fresh set of official rankings on April 14, 2026, with several fighters making notable moves up and down the lists across multiple weight classes.
Arman Tsarukyan climbed two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings after picking up victories in freestyle wrestling and grappling tournaments, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport's most complete competitors.
Roman Dolidze made perhaps the most significant leap in the update. The 37-year-old Georgian out of Xtreme Couture carries a 15-5 record and holds a 76-inch reach, giving him a long and physical frame at six-foot-two. After successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a win over sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov, Dolidze moved past Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings, now sitting at number twelve. He averages 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a genuine mixed threat on the ground.
Costa, meanwhile, did not simply lose ground at middleweight — the Brazilian brawler also entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. The 35-year-old holds a 16-4 record and remains one of the division's most dangerous strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. He is now ranked thirteenth at middleweight following Dolidze's move.
Aaron Pico broke into the top fifteen at featherweight following his own recent performances. The 29-year-old American out of Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5 record and an extraordinary takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, a figure that stands out sharply among featherweight contenders.
Josh Howitt also debuted in the rankings this cycle, entering at fifth in the heavyweight division.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's jump to light heavyweight and immediate top-ten positioning shakes up both the middleweight and light heavyweight contender pictures.
- Costa's dual-division ranking status adds an unpredictable element to matchmaking at 185 and 205 pounds.
- Pico's featherweight entry signals that the promotion views his recent run as ranking-worthy contention.
