The latest UFC rankings show Aaron Pico entering the featherweight top 15 at number 13, pushing Patricio Pitbull down to 15th. In the heavyweight division, Josh Hockit moved up to fifth place, with Curtis Blaydes dropping to sixth. At light heavyweight, Paulo Costa debuted in the rankings at seventh after his move up from middleweight. Azamat Murzakanov fell to eighth place following his loss to Costa. These changes reflect recent fight results and divisional movement.
The UFC's latest official rankings update, released April 14, has reshuffled multiple divisions, with Aaron Pico breaking into the featherweight top 15 and Josh Hockit climbing to fifth in the heavyweight standings.
Pico, 29, earns his first top-15 featherweight ranking at number 13 after recent results reflected well in the voting. The Jackson-Wink MMA product carries a 14-5 record and brings an elite wrestling base to the division, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. The American stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance.
His entry pushes Patricio "Pitbull" Pitbull down one spot to 15th in the featherweight division. The 38-year-old Brazilian veteran holds a 37-9 record accumulated across a long and decorated career, training out of Pitbull Brothers. He averages 2.68 significant strikes per minute and adds a submission threat, posting 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
At heavyweight, Josh Hockit moved up to fifth place with Curtis Blaydes sliding to sixth. The light heavyweight division saw the most dramatic development, as Paulo Costa debuted at number seven following his move up from middleweight. The 35-year-old Brazilian, known as "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record and one of the more aggressive striking profiles in MMA, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Costa trains with Team Borracha, stands six-foot-one, and has a 72-inch reach. Azamat Murzakanov fell to eighth as a result of his recent loss to Costa.
Why it matters
- Pico's featherweight ranking puts him within range of bouts that could push him toward the top ten
- Costa's light heavyweight debut at seven signals a legitimate title division threat in a new weight class
- Hockit at heavyweight number five positions him as a prime contender just outside the top four
