The UFC's first official rankings update of 2026 followed UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 contender behind champion Ilia Topuria. Gaethje displaced Arman Tsarukyan to #2, while Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropped to #3 and #4 ahead of their UFC 326 rematch for the BMF title. Natalia Silva rose to #1 flyweight contender after beating Rose Namajunas, positioning her for a shot at Valentina Shevchenko. Jean Silva jumped four spots to #3 featherweight, and Umar Nurmagomedov held #2 bantamweight. These shifts clarify title pictures across lightweight, flyweight, and featherweight, setting up major bouts.
