The UFC rankings have received updates across multiple divisions. Aaron Pico has entered the featherweight top 15 at number 13, while Patricio Pitbull dropped to 15th. Josh Howitt made a significant jump to fifth place in the heavyweight division, pushing Curtis Blaydes down to sixth. Paulo Costa entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following his divisional debut. Azamat Murzakanov fell to eighth place in the light heavyweight rankings. These changes reflect recent fight results and divisional shifts.
The UFC's latest rankings update has reshuffled multiple divisions, with Aaron Pico cracking the featherweight top 15, Josh Howitt jumping to fifth in the heavyweight rankings, and Paulo Costa making his light heavyweight debut in the polls as of April 14, 2026.
Pico, 29, enters the featherweight rankings at number 13 after working his way up through the division. The American fighter out of Jackson-Wink MMA carries a 14-5 record and brings an unusually high takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, giving him a grappling-heavy identity at 145 pounds. His arrival in the top 15 came at the expense of Patricio "Pitbull" Pitbull, the 38-year-old Brazilian veteran who dropped to 15th. Pitbull holds a 37-9 record across a decorated career and remains a recognizable name in the division despite the slide.
In the heavyweight division, Josh Howitt's move to fifth displaced Curtis Blaydes, who falls to sixth. The verified data for Howitt was not available in the rankings system at this update.
Costa's entry into the light heavyweight rankings at number seven marks a notable divisional shift for the Brazilian striker. Known in the middleweight division — where he currently holds a 16-4 record and a divisional rank of 13 — Costa brings elite striking volume to 205 pounds, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the 35-year-old orthodox fighter out of Team Borracha has the physical profile for the heavier class. His arrival pushed Azamat Murzakanov down to eighth in the light heavyweight standings.
Why it matters
- Pico's featherweight top-15 entry signals he is now a ranked factor at 145 pounds
- Costa ranking simultaneously in two divisions creates rare cross-divisional intrigue at middleweight and light heavyweight
- Blaydes slipping to sixth in heavyweight reflects continued movement near the top of one of the UFC's most active divisions
