The UFC has released updated divisional rankings with several movements. Aaron Pico entered the featherweight top 15 at No. 13, pushing Patricio Pitbull down to No. 15. In the heavyweight division, Josh Emmett rose to No. 5 while Curtis Blaydes dropped to No. 6. At light heavyweight, Paulo Costa entered the rankings at No. 7 after his successful divisional debut, while Azamat Murzakanov fell to No. 8 following his loss to Costa.
The UFC's latest divisional rankings update, released on April 14, 2026, reshuffles several divisions, with Aaron Pico cracking the featherweight top 15, Josh Emmett climbing to fifth in the heavyweight ranks, and Paulo Costa making an immediate impact at light heavyweight.
Pico, 29, enters the featherweight top 15 at No. 13 after a run of strong performances. The Jackson-Wink MMA product carries a 14-5 record and brings a physically imposing wrestling-heavy game to the division, averaging nearly nine takedowns per 15 minutes. At five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, the American is a natural fit at 145 pounds.
His arrival pushes veteran Patricio "Pitbull" Pitbull down to No. 15. The 38-year-old Brazilian, who competes out of the Pitbull Brothers camp, holds a decorated 37-9 record built over a long career. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Pitbull has long relied on a complete skill set that includes grappling — averaging 1.49 takedowns and 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
At light heavyweight, Paulo Costa enters the rankings at No. 7 following a successful debut in the division, with Azamat Murzakanov sliding to No. 8 after dropping a decision to him. Costa, 35, is primarily known as a middleweight — he is currently ranked No. 13 there — but the Brazilian's numbers suggest genuine danger wherever he competes. He lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, among the highest output figures in the sport.
Why it matters
- Pico's entry at No. 13 signals he is now a legitimate featherweight contender, adding pressure to veterans like Pitbull just below the top 10.
- Costa ranking at No. 7 light heavyweight immediately after his debut makes him a threat to shake up a division he has only just joined.
- Emmett at No. 5 heavyweight and Blaydes dropping to No. 6 tightens the logjam behind the top four, with both fighters potentially in line for a matchup to sort out positioning.
