The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes across divisions. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, attributed to his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside of MMA. Roman Dolidze has overtaken Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings following his successful light heavyweight debut where he defeated #6 ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa has entered the light heavyweight rankings at #7 after his division move. Aaron Pico has broken into the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Howkit debuts directly at #5 in the heavyweight rankings. The updates reflect both in-cage performances and cross-competition success.
The UFC's latest rankings update, issued April 14, 2026, brings meaningful movement across several divisions, headlined by a two-spot climb for Arman Tsarukyan in the pound-for-pound standings and a divisional shake-up in the middleweight and light heavyweight rankings.
Tsarukyan's rise in the pound-for-pound list comes on the back of his performances in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside of MMA competition, a reflection of the UFC's willingness to factor cross-sport achievement into its rankings considerations.
At middleweight, Roman Dolidze has moved past Paulo Costa in the rankings following a successful light heavyweight debut in which he defeated the number-six-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. The Georgian fighter, now 37 years old and carrying a 15-5 record with Xtreme Couture, currently sits at number 12 in the middleweight division. The six-foot-two Dolidze brings a 76-inch reach and a well-rounded game to the table, averaging 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside his striking output.
Costa, meanwhile, has formally entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven as he settles into his new division. The Brazilian, now 35, holds a 16-4 record and remains one of the sport's most active strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career. His middleweight ranking has slipped to 13 following Dolidze's move past him.
At featherweight, Aaron Pico has broken into the top 15. The 29-year-old American out of Jackson-Wink MMA carries a 14-5 record and an extraordinary takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, making him an immediate threat to anyone in the division.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's rise at middleweight while competing at light heavyweight adds complexity to his divisional future at both 185 and 205 pounds.
- Costa's entry into the light heavyweight top ten at number seven sets up potential high-profile matchups in a loaded division.
- Pico's top-15 featherweight debut signals the UFC's recognition of his recent form and keeps him in contention for ranked opposition.
- Josh Howkit's direct entry at number five heavyweight, if confirmed by the UFC, would represent one of the more striking debut placements in recent memory.
