UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324. Justin Gaethje claimed #1 lightweight spot after interim title win over Paddy Pimblett, bumping Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4. Holloway and Oliveira set for BMF title rematch at UFC 326. Waldo Cortes-Acosta held #5 heavyweight despite win; Derrick Lewis fell to #10, Marcin Tybura up to #8. This shakeup positions Gaethje as next challenger for Ilia Topuria's undisputed lightweight title at Freedom 250 on June 14, intensifying division title picture.[1]
The UFC's first official rankings update of 2026 has reshuffled the lightweight division following UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the number-one contender spot after capturing the interim lightweight title against Paddy Pimblett. The move bumps Arman Tsarukyan to second, Charles Oliveira to third, and Max Holloway to fourth. Gaethje is now positioned as the next challenger to undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, with that bout targeted for Freedom 250 on June 14.
Oliveira, now ranked third at 155 pounds, enters the BMF title rematch picture at 37-11-0. The 36-year-old Brazilian out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima brings relentless finishing ability to every contest, averaging 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 2.22 takedowns in the same span. His 54 percent striking accuracy ranks among the division's best.
Standing across from him at UFC 326 will be Holloway, who sits fourth in the rankings at 27-9-0. The 34-year-old Hawaiian is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute while carrying a 69-inch reach. Holloway has transitioned to lightweight in recent years and remains a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, currently sitting ninth on that list.
The undisputed champion those two are fighting beneath, Topuria, holds a 17-1-0 record and the number-one pound-for-pound ranking. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and contributes nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a complete threat. He awaits the winner of the Gaethje interim picture.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's interim title win sets up a title unification with Topuria at Freedom 250 on June 14
- Holloway versus Oliveira at UFC 326 keeps two top-four lightweights active and the BMF lineage contested
- The heavyweight picture also shifted, with Cortes-Acosta holding fifth despite a win and Derrick Lewis sliding to tenth
