Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett in UFC 324's main event, vaulting him to #1 in the lightweight rankings after the first UFC update of 2026. Ilia Topuria, the undisputed lightweight champion, is now set to face Gaethje next upon his return. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva defeated Rose Namajunas on the main card, positioning her for the next title shot. This reshapes lightweight with Gaethje as top contender and bolsters flyweight contenders. Expect Topuria vs. Gaethje booking soon, impacting unification.
Reports emerging from UFC 324 indicate that Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett in the main event, a result that has since sent shockwaves through the 155-pound division. According to early rankings updates, Gaethje has jumped to the number-one spot in the lightweight standings, setting up what is expected to be a unification clash with undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. These developments have not been officially confirmed and should be treated as unverified at this stage.
Ilia Topuria, the undisputed lightweight champion ranked number one pound-for-pound, carries a 17-1-0 record and has established himself as one of the sport's most well-rounded threats. The 29-year-old Spaniard out of Climent Club lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and averages nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, adding a submission threat of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes that rounds out a formidable skill set.
On the main card, Brazil's Natalia Silva reportedly defeated Rose Namajunas in the women's flyweight division, a result that could push Silva toward a future title opportunity. Silva, also 29 and currently ranked fifth at flyweight, holds a 20-5-1 record and generates an aggressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute out of a southpaw stance. Her opponent, the experienced Rose "Thug" Namajunas, is ranked sixth at flyweight with a 15-8-0 record. The 34-year-old American brings a more measured 3.5 significant strikes per minute but complements her output with 1.47 takedowns per 15 minutes and a submission threat that Silva largely neutralized.
Why it matters
- A Topuria versus Gaethje unification bout would consolidate the lightweight title picture under one undisputed champion
- Silva's reported win over a former champion elevates her as a legitimate flyweight title contender from the number-five position
- Topuria's pound-for-pound ranking and two-division credentials raise the stakes of any lightweight unification matchup considerably
