Post-UFC 324, UFC released its first 2026 rankings with major shifts. Justin Gaethje claimed interim lightweight belt via UD over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 and next for Ilia Topuria's undisputed title. Arman Tsarukyan dropped to #2, Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway to #3/#4 ahead of their BMF rematch at UFC 326. Natalia Silva earned flyweight shot after beating Rose Namajunas. Waldo Cortes-Acosta held #5 despite KO win over Derrick Lewis, who fell to #10. Umar Nurmagomedov stayed #2 bantam, Jean Silva rose 4 spots to #3 featherweight. Impacts title queues across divisions.[2]
