Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in the UFC 324 main event to claim the interim lightweight title for the second time, vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings. This positions him as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. The first UFC rankings update of 2026 reflects these shifts post-UFC 324. Meanwhile, Natalia Silva beat Rose Namajunas on the main card, securing the next women's flyweight title opportunity. These developments clarify the lightweight and flyweight title pictures, setting up major unification bouts later in 2026.
