The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze now ranks ahead of Paulo Costa at middleweight. Costa debuted at number seven in the light heavyweight rankings after defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov in his division debut. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight. Josh Hokit debuted immediately at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
The UFC rolled out a fresh set of rankings on April 14, 2026, and the update brought meaningful movement across several weight classes, headlined by Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound standings on the strength of recent victories in wrestling and grappling competition.
Paulo Costa, the 35-year-old Brazilian known as "The Eraser," made his presence felt at light heavyweight by debuting at number seven in that division after defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa carries a 16-4-0 record and trains out of Team Borracha. His middleweight numbers paint a picture of a high-output striker — he lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — and those tools translated well enough to earn an immediate top-ten placement at 205 pounds. His middleweight ranking now sits at 13, where Georgian fighter Roman Dolidze has moved ahead of him.
Dolidze, 37, holds a 15-5-0 record and trains at Xtreme Couture. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, he brings a more rounded game than his middleweight neighbor, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside his striking work.
American prospect Aaron Pico broke into the featherweight top 15 with his latest update. The 29-year-old out of Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5-0 record and stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach. He averages 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, an elite rate that underscores his wrestling-first identity. Josh Hokit also made headlines by debuting directly at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
Why it matters
- Costa's immediate top-ten placement at light heavyweight signals he is a credible divisional threat after just one fight at 205 pounds
- Dolidze overtaking Costa at middleweight reshuffles the contender queue in a crowded division
- Pico's top-15 featherweight entry and Hokit's number-five heavyweight debut add fresh names to two divisions already deep with contenders
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound rise reflects recognition of his activity outside the Octagon
