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 victories at wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze overtook Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a win over #6 ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at #7 following his divisional move. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Hockit debuted directly at #5 in the heavyweight rankings. These changes reflect recent competitive results and divisional shifts within the promotion.
The UFC's latest rankings update, released on April 14, 2026, reshapes the pound-for-pound picture and reshuffles two divisions, with several fighters either climbing, debuting, or making their mark following a busy competitive stretch.
Arman Tsarukyan is among the biggest movers, rising two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings after earning victories at wrestling and grappling tournaments outside the octagon. The lightweight contender's performances on the mats were enough to convince the UFC's voting media panel to reward him with an upgraded position among the sport's elite.
At middleweight, Roman Dolidze has overtaken Paulo Costa in the rankings following his successful move to light heavyweight. The 37-year-old Georgian, who carries a 15-5 record and trains out of Xtreme Couture, picked up a win over ranked light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov in his divisional debut. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, Dolidze has built his game around consistent pressure, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes. That victory was enough to bump him past Costa in the 185-pound standings, where he now sits at number 12.
Costa, meanwhile, enters the light heavyweight rankings at number seven after his own divisional transition. The 35-year-old Brazilian owns a 16-4 record and has long been one of the more prolific strikers at middleweight, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career. He holds the number 13 spot at middleweight.
Aaron Pico breaks into the featherweight top 15 at 14-5, with the 29-year-old American from Jackson-Wink MMA averaging a remarkable 8.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. Josh Hockit also debuts in the heavyweight division, entering directly at number five.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound rise adds pressure to the lightweight title picture
- Dolidze's immediate win at light heavyweight forces a rankings reshuffle across two divisions simultaneously
- Costa's presence at light heavyweight at number seven sets up potential new matchups in a crowded 205-pound top ten
- Pico's featherweight entry and Hockit's top-five heavyweight debut signal fresh contender blood in both divisions
