UFC rankings have been updated with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following victories at wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze overtook Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after Costa successfully debuted at light heavyweight. Costa entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven after defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov, who dropped to eighth. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, and Josh Hockit debuted at number five in the heavyweight division.
The UFC's latest ranking update, released April 14, 2026, brings several significant shifts across multiple divisions, headlined by Paulo Costa's move to light heavyweight and Arman Tsarukyan climbing the pound-for-pound list.
Tsarukyan's rise comes off the back of strong performances at wrestling and grappling tournaments, earning him a two-spot jump in the pound-for-pound rankings. No verified divisional rank data is available in the current update for the lightweight contender.
Paulo Costa, 35, made his light heavyweight debut count, defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov to enter the 205-pound rankings at number seven. The Brazilian striker, standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, carries one of the most aggressive output rates in the sport at 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute with a 58 percent striking accuracy. Costa still holds a ranking of thirteenth at middleweight under his current verified data, though Roman Dolidze has now overtaken him in that division. Murzakanov dropped to eighth following the loss.
Roman Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian representing Xtreme Couture, now sits twelfth in the middleweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, Dolidze brings a well-rounded game, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 3.19 significant strikes landed per minute.
Aaron Pico, 29, of Jackson-Wink MMA enters the featherweight top 15 for the first time. The American stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach and posts a remarkable 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, backing a 14-5 professional record. Josh Hockit also makes his presence felt, debuting at number five in the heavyweight division.
Why it matters
- Costa's crossover to light heavyweight reshuffles the top ten and pushes Murzakanov down the contender ladder
- Dolidze moving ahead of Costa at middleweight tightens the logjam in the division's lower rankings
- Pico's featherweight debut ranking signals rising recognition for one of the division's most active wrestlers
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound climb reflects sustained excellence outside the Octagon as well as inside it
