The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two positions in the pound-for-pound rankings, with the post humorously attributing this to his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze surpassed Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight by defeating sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Hewitt debuted directly at number five in the heavyweight rankings. These movements reflect recent fight results and divisional shifts across multiple weight classes.
The UFC's latest rankings update, released on April 14, 2026, reshapes several divisions at once, with Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound list and Roman Dolidze leapfrogging Paulo Costa at middleweight among the most eye-catching moves.
Tsarukyan's rise in the pound-for-pound standings came with an unusual explanation: the UFC's own rankings post credited his recent success in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside of competition as a contributing factor — a lighthearted nod that nonetheless reflects genuine appreciation for his all-around skill set.
Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian out of Xtreme Couture, moved to 12th in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a victory over sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Carrying a 15-5 record, the six-foot-two orthodox fighter brings a well-rounded game — averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes — that clearly translated at 205 pounds.
Costa, the hard-hitting Brazilian known as "The Eraser," now sits 13th at middleweight and simultaneously entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following the cross-divisional activity. The 35-year-old carries a 16-4 record and one of the more imposing striking profiles in the sport, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career.
Aaron Pico, the 29-year-old American from Jackson-Wink MMA, broke into the top 15 at featherweight with a 14-5 record. Standing five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach, Pico is a remarkable grappling threat, averaging an extraordinary 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. Josh Hewitt also debuted directly at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's jump over Costa shakes up the middleweight picture despite Dolidze now competing primarily at light heavyweight
- Costa's simultaneous entry into the light heavyweight top ten opens a potential new avenue for the veteran Brazilian
- Pico's top-15 debut at featherweight signals the promotion's recognition of his recent form
- Hewitt entering heavyweight at number five immediately positions him near title contention
