The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, humorously attributed to 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 now occupies the seventh position in the light heavyweight rankings. Aaron Pico entered the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Hokit debuts at number five in the heavyweight rankings. The update reflects recent fight outcomes and divisional movement.
The UFC's latest rankings update, released on April 14, 2026, reshuffles several divisions, with Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound standings, Roman Dolidze leapfrogging a former title challenger at middleweight, and a pair of fighters breaking into new territory across the roster.
Dolidze, the 37-year-old Georgian out of Xtreme Couture, improved to 15-5 and now sits at number 12 in the middleweight rankings after a successful light heavyweight debut against sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach — 193 cm — Dolidze is a physical presence who mixes striking with a takedown rate of 1.16 per 15 minutes and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His divisional jump has direct consequences for Paulo Costa.
Costa, now 35, sees his ranking shift following Dolidze's rise. The Brazilian carries a 16-4 record and remains one of the most prolific strikers in the division, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. He now occupies the seventh position in the light heavyweight rankings rather than the middleweight picture, according to the updated standings.
Aaron Pico, the 29-year-old American trained at Jackson-Wink MMA, enters the featherweight top 15 on the back of recent results. Pico carries a 14-5 record and an extraordinary takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, making him one of the division's most active wrestlers. He stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach. Josh Hokit also debuts inside the rankings, entering at number five in the heavyweight division.
Tsarukyan's two-spot rise in the pound-for-pound list was attributed, with some humor, to success in wrestling and grappling competition outside the octagon.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's move across divisions reshuffles both middleweight and light heavyweight top-15 pictures simultaneously
- Costa's placement at light heavyweight number seven signals a potential full divisional switch for the Brazilian power striker
- Pico's featherweight ranking entry marks a significant step for one of the sport's longest-developing prospects
- Tsarukyan's pound-for-pound climb reflects his growing status even outside formal UFC competition
