The UFC rankings have been updated with notable movements across multiple divisions. Aaron Pico has entered the featherweight top 15 at number 13, causing Patricio Pitbull to drop to 15th. In the heavyweight division, Josh Emmett has jumped to number 5, pushing Curtis Blaydes down to sixth. Paulo Costa has entered the light heavyweight rankings at number 7 following his divisional debut. Azamat Murzakanov has dropped to eighth place in the light heavyweight rankings after his loss to Costa. These changes reflect recent fight results and divisional shifts.
The UFC's latest rankings update, issued April 14, has reshuffled several divisions, with Aaron Pico cracking the featherweight top 15 and Josh Emmett making a significant jump at heavyweight among the most notable movements.
Pico, 29, enters the featherweight rankings at number 13, a milestone for the American prospect out of Jackson-Wink MMA. The orthodox striker carries a 14-5 record and is a relentless presence on the mat, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, Pico has steadily built his case at 145 pounds and now finds himself inside the division's ranked tier for the first time.
His arrival pushes Patricio "Pitbull" Freire down to 15th in the featherweight rankings. The Brazilian veteran, who competes out of the Pitbull Brothers camp, holds a career record of 37-9 and brings a wealth of experience to the division at 38 years old. Pitbull's five-foot-six frame and 67-inch reach belie a well-rounded game that includes 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside solid striking output.
In the light heavyweight division, Paulo Costa has made an immediate impact following his move up from middleweight, entering the 205-pound rankings at number seven. "The Eraser" is 35, stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, and brings one of the most aggressive striking profiles in the sport — landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. That output helped him register a 16-4 record at middleweight, and it has earned him instant recognition in his new division. His arrival drops Azamat Murzakanov to eighth following his loss to Costa.
Why it matters
- Pico's entry into the featherweight top 15 opens the door to ranked matchups that could accelerate his rise
- Pitbull, a former Bellator champion, now sits at the fringe of the division's ranked tier at number 15
- Costa's immediate placement at light heavyweight number 7 signals the UFC views his divisional move as credible, with potential top-five fights on the horizon
- Emmett jumping to heavyweight number 5 and Blaydes falling to sixth reshapes the contender picture at 265 pounds
