Gaethje wins interim belt, earns #1 ranking at 155

Reports indicate that Justin Gaethje has captured the interim lightweight title for the second time in his career, defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324, an event that also marked the UFC's new broadcast partnership with Paramount. The result has not been officially confirmed, but per the reported rankings update, Gaethje now sits at number one in the 155-pound division and is positioned as the mandatory challenger to undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

Gaethje, 37, carries a 28-5 record and has long been one of the most relentless fighters in the lightweight division. The American out of Genesis Training Center lands an eye-catching 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the more precise high-volume strikers in the weight class. He now holds the interim championship and the top divisional ranking.

Pimblett, the 31-year-old Liverpudlian representing Next Generation MMA, came in ranked sixth at lightweight with a 23-4 record. Known for his offensive output — 5.49 significant strikes per minute and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — he entered the bout as a credible threat but reportedly could not secure the decision nods.

The reported shake-up pushed Arman Tsarukyan to number two, with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway falling to third and fourth respectively.

Why it matters

• Gaethje's interim title puts him in direct line for a unification bout with Ilia Topuria, the undisputed champion ranked first pound-for-pound at 17-1
• Topuria, standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, presenting a stylistically distinct challenge
• The reshuffled rankings have immediate consequences for Tsarukyan, Oliveira, and Holloway, all of whom now sit further from a title shot
• This story has not been officially confirmed and should be treated as a report until the UFC makes a formal announcement