Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in the UFC 324 main event to claim the interim lightweight title for the second time, vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings. This positions him as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. The first UFC rankings update of 2026 reflects these shifts post-UFC 324. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva beat Rose Namajunas on the main card, securing her a likely title shot. These developments clarify the lightweight and flyweight title pictures amid a stacked division. Expect Gaethje vs. Topuria and Silva's contender bout soon.
