The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan rose two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings following his 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 now occupies the 7th position in the light heavyweight rankings. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Hokit debuted at #5 in the heavyweight rankings. These movements reflect recent competitive performances and weight class transitions.
The UFC released its latest official rankings on April 14, 2026, with several fighters changing positions as a result of recent performances and division switches.
Arman Tsarukyan was the headline mover in the pound-for-pound list, climbing two spots after recording victories at wrestling and grappling tournaments. The lightweight contender's success outside the cage has been recognised in the updated standings.
Roman Dolidze, 37, has made an immediate impact since transitioning to light heavyweight. The Georgian fighter, who carries a 15-5 record and trains out of Xtreme Couture, defeated ranked contender Azamat Murzakanov — who held the number-six spot — in his 205-pound debut. That result was enough to leapfrog Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings, where Dolidze still holds the number-12 position. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, Dolidze brings a well-rounded game, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Paulo Costa, meanwhile, has shifted his future to light heavyweight, entering that division's rankings at number seven. The Brazilian striker, now 35 years old and carrying a 16-4 record, has long been one of the more dangerous middleweights in the sport, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute with 58 percent striking accuracy. His move to 205 pounds adds a notable name to a competitive division.
Aaron Pico, 29, broke into the featherweight top 15 for the first time. The American prospect out of Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5 record and an extraordinary takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, signalling his arrival as a legitimate divisional factor at featherweight.
Josh Hokit also made a significant jump, debuting at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's light heavyweight debut win over a top-ten opponent instantly reshapes the 205-pound contender picture
- Costa entering the light heavyweight rankings at seven creates fresh matchup possibilities in a stacked division
- Pico's featherweight top-15 entry puts him on a path toward ranked competition at 145 pounds
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound rise keeps pressure on the lightweight title picture
