The UFC has released updated rankings across multiple divisions. Arman Tsarukyan moved up two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings, with the post humorously noting his success in wrestling and grappling tournaments. Roman Dolidze has overtaken Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a win over #6 ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself has entered the light heavyweight rankings at #7 following his division move. Aaron Pico has entered the top 15 at featherweight, while Josh Hewitt debuts directly at #5 in the heavyweight rankings.
The UFC released its latest divisional rankings on April 14, with several notable shifts headlined by Arman Tsarukyan climbing two spots in the pound-for-pound standings and a pair of middleweight contenders reshuffling the 185-pound picture.
Tsarukyan's rise in the pound-for-pound list was accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment from the UFC of his wrestling and grappling credentials, a nod to the lightweight contender's well-documented ground game.
Roman Dolidze, now ranked 12th at middleweight at 37 years old, has leapfrogged Paulo Costa in the 185-pound rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a victory over Azamat Murzakanov, who was ranked sixth in that division. The Georgian fighter out of Xtreme Couture carries a 15-5 record and brings a physical frame of six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach. He averages 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a genuine threat on the ground.
Costa, meanwhile, has entered the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following his move up to 205 pounds. The Brazilian striker holds a 16-4 record and ranks 13th at middleweight after the reshuffle. At six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, the 35-year-old is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Aaron Pico has broken into the featherweight top 15 at age 29. The Jackson-Wink product carries a 14-5 record and a remarkable takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes, despite standing only five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach.
Josh Hewitt also made an immediate impact on the heavyweight rankings, debuting directly at number five.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's move past Costa signals the UFC is rewarding his successful divisional debut over a decorated but inactive veteran
- Costa's entry at light heavyweight number seven puts him immediately in contention in a wide-open 205-pound division
- Pico's top-15 featherweight placement sets up meaningful ranked matchups for a prospect who has long been viewed as a future title contender
