The UFC has released updated official rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan rose two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, credited to his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside the UFC. Roman Dolidze moved ahead of Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings following Dolidze's successful light heavyweight debut, where he defeated #6-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself has entered the light heavyweight rankings at #7 after his move up in weight. Aaron Pico has broken into the top 15 at featherweight, and Josh Hockit debuts at #5 in the heavyweight rankings. These changes reflect both in-octagon performances and activity in related combat sports.
The UFC released its latest official rankings on April 14, 2026, and several fighters saw meaningful movement across multiple divisions.
Arman Tsarukyan climbed two places in the pound-for-pound rankings, with the UFC crediting his activity in wrestling and grappling competitions outside the octagon as the basis for the rise.
Roman Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian fighting out of Xtreme Couture, moved ahead of Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings and now sits at number 12 in that division. The jump follows Dolidze's successful light heavyweight debut, in which he defeated ranked contender Azamat Murzakanov. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, Dolidze carries a 15-5 record and averages 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes, giving him a varied and physical game that has translated across weight classes.
Costa, meanwhile, now holds a number-13 ranking at middleweight and has simultaneously entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven after his move up in weight. The Brazilian, 35 years old and fighting out of Team Borracha, holds a 16-4 record and remains one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career.
Aaron Pico has broken into the top 15 at featherweight. The 29-year-old Jackson-Wink product carries a 14-5 record and brings an eye-catching 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes to a division that will take notice of his arrival in the rankings. Josh Hockit also debuts in the updated list, entering the heavyweight rankings at number five.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's dual presence across middleweight and light heavyweight creates potential matchup complications in both divisions
- Costa's entry at light heavyweight number seven immediately places him among contenders in a loaded 205-pound weight class
- Pico's featherweight ranking debut marks a significant milestone for one of the sport's most athletically gifted young fighters
