UFC's first official rankings of 2026 reflect outcomes from UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight belt via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 and displacing Arman Tsarukyan to #2. Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropped to #3 and #4, setting up their BMF title rematch at UFC 326. In heavyweight, Waldo Cortes-Acosta held #5 despite beating Derrick Lewis, who fell to #10, while Marcin Tybura rose to #8. These shifts clarify title paths, with Gaethje now eyeing undisputed champ Ilia Topuria at Freedom 250. Women's bantamweight co-main between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes was absent.
