The UFC has released updated rankings with several notable changes across divisions. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, credited to his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze surpassed Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings following Costa's successful light heavyweight debut against sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven. Aaron Pico has broken into the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Howitt debuts directly at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
The UFC's latest rankings update, released April 14, brings meaningful movement across several weight classes, with five fighters either climbing or entering the official listings.
Arman Tsarukyan earned the most prominent boost, moving up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings after victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside of competition.
At middleweight, Roman Dolidze has climbed past Paulo Costa to sit at number 12 in the division. The 37-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, carries a 15-5 record and brings a well-rounded threat to the cage, averaging 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, he offers both physical and technical tools at 185 pounds.
Costa, now ranked 13th at middleweight, has simultaneously broken into the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following a successful debut at 205 pounds against sixth-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. The Brazilian, nicknamed The Eraser, is 35 years old and holds a 16-4 record. His offensive output at middleweight has been exceptional, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that will draw attention regardless of division.
Aaron Pico breaks into the featherweight top 15 at 29 years old. The American prospect from Jackson-Wink MMA owns a 14-5 record and is a credible grappling threat, averaging an eye-catching 8.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Josh Howitt makes the most dramatic entrance of the update, debuting directly at number five in the heavyweight rankings.
Why it matters
- Costa's dual-division placement adds intrigue at both middleweight and light heavyweight
- Dolidze overtaking Costa reshuffles the top 15 at 185 pounds with rankings implications for upcoming bouts
- Pico's featherweight entry and Howitt's immediate top-five heavyweight status signal rapid divisional shifts heading into the summer schedule
