The UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, the promotion's first event of the year in partnership with Paramount. Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 contender spot ahead of Ilia Topuria. Gaethje displaced Arman Tsarukyan to #2, with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropping to #3 and #4; Holloway defends BMF title against Oliveira rematch at UFC 326. Natalia Silva earned next women's flyweight title shot after beating Rose Namajunas, who fell to #7. Jean Silva rose four spots to #3 featherweight after defeating Arnold Allen. Waldo Cortes-Acosta held #5 heavyweight despite stopping Derrick Lewis, who dropped to #10. Umar Nurmagomedov stayed #2 bantamweight after beating Deiveson Figueiredo. This reshapes title pictures in lightweight, flyweight, featherweight, and heavyweight divisions with clear next challengers.
