The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan climbed two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze moved ahead of Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after Costa's successful light heavyweight debut. Costa entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven after defeating the division's number six, Azamat Murzakanov. Aaron Pico entered the featherweight top 15, and Josh Hokit debuted at number five in the heavyweight division.
The UFC released its latest official rankings on April 14, and the update brought meaningful movement across several divisions, headlined by Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound standings on the strength of recent victories in wrestling and grappling competition.
Paulo Costa's successful move up to light heavyweight has reshuffled both divisions. The Brazilian, now 35 years old and carrying a 16-4 record, defeated Azamat Murzakanov — who had been ranked sixth at light heavyweight — and entered the 205-pound top fifteen at number seven as a result. Known as "The Eraser," Costa brings one of the most aggressive striking outputs in the sport, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy. His departure from the middleweight rankings allowed Roman Dolidze to move ahead of him there, with Costa now sitting thirteenth at middleweight.
Dolidze, a 37-year-old Georgian fighting out of Xtreme Couture, now holds the twelfth spot in a competitive middleweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, he averages 1.16 takedowns per fifteen minutes and mixes in submission attempts at a rate of 0.7 per fifteen minutes alongside his striking work.
Aaron Pico, the 29-year-old American from Jackson-Wink MMA, entered the featherweight top fifteen with this update. He carries a 14-5 record and a remarkable takedown average of 8.96 per fifteen minutes, giving him a distinct grappling identity in a division built around technical strikers. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, he fights out of an orthodox stance.
Josh Hokit also made his divisional debut in these rankings, entering the heavyweight division at number five.
Why it matters
- Costa's move to light heavyweight at number seven immediately makes him a factor in a crowded 205-pound contender picture
- Dolidze's rise at middleweight reflects the reshuffling that follows any cross-divisional jump
- Pico's featherweight debut ranking signals UFC recognition of his recent performances and could position him for higher-profile matchups
