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 humorously to his victories in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside the UFC. Roman Dolidze overtook Paulo Costa in the middleweight rankings after successfully debuting at light heavyweight with a victory over #6-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Costa himself entered the light heavyweight rankings at #7 following his move up in weight. Aaron Pico entered the featherweight top 15, while Josh Howkit debuted immediately at #5 in the heavyweight rankings.
The UFC rolled out its latest rankings update on April 14, with several notable moves across multiple weight classes reshaping the divisional landscape.
Arman Tsarukyan climbed two spots in the pound-for-pound rankings in a somewhat unusual fashion, with the UFC humorously crediting the rise to his performances in wrestling and grappling competitions outside the promotion rather than an in-cage result.
Roman Dolidze made the most significant divisional leap in the update. The 37-year-old Georgian, who holds a 15-5 record and competes out of Xtreme Couture, debuted at light heavyweight with a victory over number-six-ranked Azamat Murzakanov, a result strong enough to vault him past Paulo Costa in the middleweight standings. Dolidze, who stands six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, brings a diverse skill set to his fights, averaging 1.16 takedowns and 0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 3.19 significant strikes per minute.
Costa, meanwhile, enters the light heavyweight rankings at number seven following his move up to 205 pounds. The Brazilian striker carries a 16-4 record and remains one of the division's most dangerous stand-up fighters, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. The 35-year-old now sits at number 13 in the middleweight rankings after Dolidze passed him.
Aaron Pico, the 29-year-old American prospect out of Jackson-Wink MMA, broke into the featherweight top 15 for the first time. Pico carries a 14-5 record and a remarkable takedown rate of 8.96 per 15 minutes. Heavyweight also saw a dramatic new entry, with Josh Howkit debuting directly at number five in the 265-pound rankings.
Why it matters
- Dolidze's two-division presence adds complexity to his future matchmaking at both middleweight and light heavyweight
- Costa's transition to light heavyweight officially registers in the rankings, opening new matchup possibilities at 205 pounds
- Pico's featherweight debut in the top 15 signals rising recognition of his Bellator and early UFC performances
- Howkit's immediate entry at number five in heavyweight suggests a significant recent result driving his placement
