The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings based on victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze jumped ahead of Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings, while Costa debuted at 7th in the light heavyweight division after defeating 6th-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, and Josh Hockit debuted at 5th in the heavyweight rankings. Murzakanov dropped to 8th at light heavyweight following his loss.
The UFC's latest rankings update, released April 14, 2026, brings a handful of notable shifts across multiple divisions, headlined by Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound standings and Paulo Costa making his debut in the light heavyweight top 15.
Costa, the 35-year-old Brazilian striker known as "The Eraser," earned his way into the light heavyweight rankings at No. 7 after defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa carries a 16-4 record and competes out of Team Borracha. An orthodox fighter standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, he is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His move to 205 pounds also triggered a reshuffle at middleweight, where Roman Dolidze now sits ahead of Costa in that division's rankings. Murzakanov, meanwhile, dropped to eighth at light heavyweight following the defeat.
Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian out of Xtreme Couture, holds a 15-5 record and now sits at No. 12 in the middleweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, he blends striking with a well-rounded grappling game, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
At featherweight, Aaron Pico broke into the top 15. The 29-year-old American from Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5 record and brings an exceptional wrestling pedigree to the division, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, the orthodox fighter has steadily developed into a well-rounded threat.
Why it matters
- Costa's light heavyweight debut at No. 7 immediately positions him as a contender in a second weight class
- Dolidze's rise at middleweight reshuffles the contender picture behind the division's top-ranked fighters
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound climb reflects recognition beyond his divisional standing
- Pico's top-15 entry at featherweight signals he is now firmly in contention at 145 pounds
