The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following his victories at freestyle wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze overtook Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after Costa successfully debuted at light heavyweight by defeating number six ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 of the featherweight division. Josh Hokit made his ranking debut at number five in the heavyweight division.
The UFC released its latest official rankings on April 14, updating several divisions following recent competitive activity both inside and outside the Octagon.
Arman Tsarukyan climbed two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, a rise credited to victories at freestyle wrestling and grappling tournaments — an unusual acknowledgment of achievement away from the cage.
Paulo Costa made the move up to light heavyweight official, and the 185-centimeter Brazilian has already made an impression. The 35-year-old Team Borracha fighter, carrying a 16-4 record, defeated number-six-ranked Azamat Murzakanov in his 205-pound debut and entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. Known for relentless output, Costa averages 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the sharpest volume strikers in the sport. That move out of middleweight opened the door for Roman Dolidze to step past him in the 185-pound rankings.
Dolidze, now ranked 12th at middleweight, is a 37-year-old Georgian fighter out of Xtreme Couture with a 15-5 record. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach — 193 centimeters — he brings a balanced attack, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 3.19 significant strikes landed per minute.
Aaron Pico broke into the featherweight top 15 with the rankings update. The 29-year-old Jackson-Wink product holds a 14-5 record and is a remarkable grappling threat at 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, despite standing just five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach. Josh Hokit also debuted in the rankings, entering the heavyweight division at number five.
Why it matters
- Costa's light heavyweight debut at number seven immediately places him among the division's elite contenders
- Dolidze's move past Costa tightens a competitive middleweight top 15
- Pico's featherweight ranking entry signals growing recognition of his all-around development
- Hokit's debut at number five in heavyweight is a significant first appearance with immediate title-contention relevance
