Gaethje wins interim lightweight belt, faces Topuria next

Justin Gaethje earned the interim lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, claiming the promotion's interim lightweight belt for the second time. Gaethje now sits at the #1 spot in the lightweight rankings and is next in line to challenge undisputed titleholder Ilia Topuria whenever 'El Matador' returns to competition in 2026. The win solidifies Gaethje's position as the top contender in a division full of fighters pursuing Topuria. This sets up a major title unification bout later in the year. Gaethje's interim title victory represents a significant step toward reclaiming undisputed gold.