Following UFC 324, Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a win over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 in the first UFC rankings update of 2026. Arman Tsarukyan dropped to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4. Gaethje now positions as next challenger for undisputed champ Ilia Topuria. In heavyweight, Waldo Cortes-Acosta held #5 despite beating Derrick Lewis, who fell to #10. Bantamweight saw Jean Silva jump four spots to #3 after defeating Arnold Allen. This reshuffle clarifies title paths, especially lightweight's crowded top, setting up Gaethje-Topuria and Holloway-Oliveira rematch at UFC 326.
