Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event last Saturday, claiming the #1 contender spot in the lightweight rankings after the first UFC rankings update of 2026. This positions Gaethje as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. The victory highlights Gaethje's resilience in a stacked division, potentially setting up a blockbuster unification bout later this year at an event like UFC Freedom 250. Topuria's camp has yet to confirm availability, but the matchup promises high-stakes action for lightweight supremacy.
