Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight title for the second time by defeating Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision at UFC 324, claiming the #1 ranking in the lightweight division. With this victory, Gaethje has positioned himself as the next challenger to undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is expected to return to competition later in 2026. The win marks a significant step forward for Gaethje in his pursuit of undisputed gold. Topuria's return timeline remains uncertain, but the division now has a clear path forward with Gaethje waiting in the wings.
Reports indicate that Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title for the second time in his career, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324 on April 10, 2026. According to the report, the victory elevated Gaethje to the number one ranking in the lightweight division and positioned him as the mandatory challenger to undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. This story has not been officially confirmed.
Gaethje, 37, enters the undisputed title picture with a record of 28-5 and a reputation built on relentless forward pressure. The Arizona native out of Genesis Training Center lands an eye-catching 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, among the highest output figures in the division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, "The Highlight" now holds interim gold and waits for the undisputed champion to set a return date.
Pimblett, the 31-year-old Liverpudlian known as "The Baddy," falls to 23-4 with the loss. Fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, the five-foot-ten contender had entered the bout ranked sixth in the division and brought genuine offensive volume, averaging 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. The defeat is a significant setback in his push toward the upper tier of the lightweight rankings.
Ilia Topuria, the undisputed lightweight champion ranked first in the pound-for-pound standings at 17-1, is expected to return later in 2026, though no timeline has been confirmed. The 29-year-old Spaniard representing Spain and fighting out of Climent Club stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute alongside nearly two takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's interim title win gives the lightweight division a clear number one contender while Topuria awaits his next assignment.
- A potential Gaethje versus Topuria unification bout would pit the division's most active striker against the pound-for-pound top-ranked champion.
- Pimblett's loss at sixth in the rankings could see him slide further down a crowded 155-pound ladder.
