Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight title and the #1 contender spot after defeating Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision at UFC 324. With this victory, Gaethje is now next in line to challenge undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria whenever 'El Matador' returns to competition in 2026. Gaethje claimed the interim belt for the second time in his career, positioning himself as the clear frontrunner for a title unification bout. This ranking update reflects Gaethje's status as the top challenger in a competitive lightweight division.
Reports suggest Justin Gaethje has claimed the interim lightweight title and cemented his place as the division's top contender following a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, though the outcome has not been officially confirmed.
Gaethje, 37, now carries a 28-5 record and holds the interim lightweight belt — the second time in his career he has captured an interim strap in the division. The Arizona-born striker trains out of Genesis Training Center and is regarded as one of the most aggressive finishers in the sport, averaging an eye-catching 6.48 significant strikes landed per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. At five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, "The Highlight" brings relentless forward pressure and elite striking volume every time he steps into the cage.
Pimblett, the 31-year-old Englishman ranked sixth at lightweight, entered UFC 324 carrying a 23-4 record and the backing of Next Generation MMA Liverpool. "The Baddy" is no stranger to high-output exchanges, posting 5.49 significant strikes landed per minute and a 52 percent striking accuracy, along with 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The loss drops him from sixth in the division.
Why it matters
- Gaethje is now reportedly positioned as the mandatory challenger for undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria whenever "El Matador" returns in 2026.
- Topuria, the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the sport at just 29 years old, holds a 17-1 record and has averaged nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes alongside sharp 4.81 strikes landed per minute — a contrasting skill set to Gaethje's pure striking game.
- A potential unification bout would pit the division's most prolific striker against a champion who blends grappling and power with exceptional efficiency.
- Pimblett's path back into title contention from sixth in the rankings becomes significantly steeper following this setback.
