The UFC has announced ranking updates across several weight classes. At featherweight, Aaron Pico entered at #13 while Patricio Pitbull dropped to #15. In the heavyweight division, Josh Howitt climbed to #5 with Curtis Blaydes falling to #6. Paulo Costa debuted in the light heavyweight rankings at #7, while Azamat Murzakanov descended to #8. These changes reflect recent fight results and divisional movement. The updates represent significant positional shifts for several fighters in their respective divisions.
The UFC reshuffled its official rankings across multiple weight classes on April 14, with notable movers including Aaron Pico, Patricio Pitbull, Josh Howitt, Paulo Costa, and Azamat Murzakanov.
At featherweight, Aaron Pico entered the divisional rankings at number 13, while veteran Patricio Pitbull dropped to number 15. Pico, 29, represents the United States out of Jackson-Wink MMA and carries a 14-5 record. The six-foot-tall orthodox fighter — standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach — brings a notably high takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute. Pitbull, the 38-year-old Brazilian representing the Pitbull Brothers camp, holds a deep 37-9 record and has long been a featherweight fixture. He averages 2.68 significant strikes per minute and contributes 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, showing a well-rounded offensive game across his career.
In the light heavyweight division, Paulo Costa made his debut in the rankings at number 7, pushing Azamat Murzakanov down to number 8. Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," is a 35-year-old Brazilian fighting out of Team Borracha. He carries a 16-4 record and is one of the more prolific strikers in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — elite numbers regardless of division. His move to light heavyweight marks a significant career shift from his listed middleweight base.
In the heavyweight division, Josh Howitt climbed to number 5, with Curtis Blaydes falling to number 6 as a result.
Why it matters
- Pico's entry at featherweight number 13 signals the UFC's recognition of his recent results and opens a path toward the top ten
- Costa's light heavyweight debut at number 7 immediately places him among contenders in a stacked 205-pound division
- Howitt's rise to number 5 at heavyweight puts him firmly inside contender range for a title shot
- Pitbull's slide to number 15 raises questions about his standing in a division that has continued to evolve around him
