The UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, the promotion's first event of the year. Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett in the main event, vaulting him to #1 contender status behind undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. This positions Gaethje as the next likely challenger for Topuria upon his return. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva defeated Rose Namajunas on the main card, securing her as the top contender for the title. These shifts clarify the lightweight and flyweight title pictures early in the year, setting up major unification bouts. Expect Gaethje vs. Topuria and Silva's title shot to be booked soon.[1]
