The UFC updated its divisional rankings with several significant moves. Aaron Pico entered the featherweight top 15 at No. 13, pushing Patricio Pitbull down to No. 15. In the heavyweight division, Josh Hewitt jumped to No. 5, moving Curtis Blaydes down to No. 6. Paulo Costa debuted in the light heavyweight rankings at No. 7 following his recent victory. Azamat Murzakanov dropped to No. 8 at light heavyweight after his loss to Costa. These changes reflect the outcomes of recent UFC events and fighter performances.
The UFC released an updated set of divisional rankings on April 14, 2026, producing notable movement across the featherweight, heavyweight, and light heavyweight divisions.
At featherweight, Aaron Pico broke into the top 15 for the first time, landing at No. 13. The 29-year-old American, who trains out of Jackson-Wink MMA, carries a 14-5 record and has built a reputation as one of the sport's more explosive wrestlers, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, Pico's entry pushed veteran Patricio "Pitbull" Ferreira down to No. 15. The Brazilian Pitbull brings a wealth of experience to that division, holding a 37-9 record across his career at 38 years old, with 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes rounding out a well-developed ground game.
In the heavyweight division, Josh Hewitt climbed to No. 5, sliding Curtis Blaydes down one spot to No. 6.
The light heavyweight rankings also saw fresh movement. Paulo Costa made his debut in the 205-pound rankings at No. 7 following a recent victory. The Brazilian known as "The Eraser" is 35 years old and holds a 16-4 record, currently listed in the middleweight division at No. 13. His move into the light heavyweight picture is a significant development. Costa lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more prolific volume strikers in the sport. Azamat Murzakanov, meanwhile, dropped to No. 8 at light heavyweight following his loss to Costa.
Why it matters
- Pico's featherweight entry at No. 13 signals a credible push toward the division's upper tier, with his elite takedown rate posing matchup problems for most opponents.
- Costa's immediate debut at No. 7 in a second division opens up a wide range of compelling matchups at light heavyweight.
- Hewitt's rise to No. 5 at heavyweight adds pressure on the contenders above him ahead of potential title eliminator bouts.
