Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, propelling him to #1 in the lightweight rankings in the first UFC update of 2026. Ilia Topuria holds the undisputed lightweight belt, setting up a massive unification clash announced as Freedom 250 on June 14 in Washington D.C. This positions Gaethje as the top contender after his second interim reign. The lightweight division gains clarity with this pairing amid a stacked field. Expect intense buildup with Gaethje's power vs. Topuria's precision.
