UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 contender behind champion Ilia Topuria. Natalia Silva earned the next women's flyweight title shot after beating Rose Namajunas. Waldo Cortes-Acosta held at #5 heavyweight despite stopping Derrick Lewis, who dropped to #10, while Marcin Tybura rose to #8. These shifts clarify title pictures in lightweight, flyweight, and heavyweight, setting up major bouts like Gaethje vs. Topuria at Freedom 250.
Reports emerging after UFC 324 indicate that Justin Gaethje has captured the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett, according to an unconfirmed rankings update the UFC is said to have released to open 2026. The update, which has not been officially verified, also reshapes the women's flyweight and heavyweight divisional pictures.
Gaethje's interim title win reportedly places him as the number-one contender in the lightweight division, setting up a potential unification clash with champion Ilia Topuria at Freedom 250. Topuria, ranked number one pound-for-pound, carries an impressive 17-1-0 record and fights out of Spain under Climent Club. The 29-year-old stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
In the women's flyweight division, Brazil's Natalia Silva reportedly earned the next title shot after defeating Rose Namajunas. Silva, 29, holds a 20-5-1 record and currently sits at number five in the division. Fighting out of a southpaw stance for Team Borracha, she lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 45 percent accuracy. Her opponent, Namajunas, known as "Thug," owns a 15-8-0 record and represents the 303 Training Center out of the United States. The 34-year-old orthodox striker averages 3.5 significant strikes per minute and contributes on the mat with 1.47 takedowns per 15 minutes.
At heavyweight, Waldo Cortes-Acosta reportedly held his position at number five despite stopping Derrick Lewis, who fell to number 10. Marcin Tybura is said to have climbed to number eight following the reshuffle.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's interim title sets up a potential unification fight with Topuria at Freedom 250
- Silva's win over a ranked former champion puts her directly in line for flyweight gold
- Lewis dropping to number 10 and Tybura rising to number eight reshuffles the heavyweight top ten
