Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, claiming the promotion's interim lightweight belt for the second time. Gaethje now sits at the #1 spot in the lightweight rankings and is next in line to challenge undisputed titleholder Ilia Topuria. The win bumped Arman Tsarukyan down to #2 in the division. Gaethje's path to an undisputed title fight with Topuria is now clear, setting up a major showdown for later in 2026. This represents a significant development in the lightweight title picture.
