Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, earning the #1 contender spot in the first 2026 UFC rankings update. This victory dropped Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4, positioning Gaethje for a unification bout against champion Ilia Topuria. The lightweight division intensifies with Topuria's return pending and a Holloway-Oliveira rematch at UFC 326 for the BMF title. Gaethje's second interim reign underscores his knockout prowess. Fans anticipate a superfight with Topuria soon.
