The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes across divisions. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside the UFC. Roman Dolidze jumped ahead of Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a win over sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following his divisional move. Aaron Pico made his debut in the top 15 of the featherweight division. Josh Howitt enters the heavyweight rankings immediately at number five in his debut appearance.
The UFC released its latest rankings update on April 14, with several fighters climbing or entering the official lists across multiple weight classes.
Arman Tsarukyan earned a two-spot rise in the pound-for-pound rankings, a move credited to victories he picked up in wrestling and grappling competitions outside the UFC.
Roman Dolidze, now ranked 12th at middleweight at 15-5, made his light heavyweight debut a successful one, defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. That result was enough to vault Dolidze past Paulo Costa in the middleweight standings. The 37-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, stands six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach and brings a well-rounded game to the cage, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 3.19 significant strikes landed per minute.
Paulo Costa, meanwhile, crossed into a new chapter of his career as he entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following his divisional move. The Brazilian, now 35, carries a 16-4 record and remains one of the more prolific strikers in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy over his UFC career. He currently sits 13th at middleweight while establishing himself at 205 pounds.
Aaron Pico broke into the featherweight top 15 for the first time. The 29-year-old American out of Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5 record and an extraordinary takedown average of 8.96 per 15 minutes, a number that sets him apart as a grappling threat at 145 pounds.
Josh Howitt entered the heavyweight rankings at number five in his debut appearance on the list.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's simultaneous rise at middleweight and immediate impact at light heavyweight raises his divisional value in both weight classes
- Costa's move to 205 pounds reshapes the top ten and adds a high-volume striker to a division already stacked with finishers
- Pico's top-15 featherweight entry signals the UFC's recognition of his takedown-heavy style as a genuine threat at the elite level
