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Following his unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event, Justin Gaethje has claimed the interim lightweight belt for the second time and risen to #1 in the lightweight rankings after the first UFC update of 2026. Ilia Topuria remains the undisputed champion, positioning Gaethje as the next challenger when Topuria returns. This shift clarifies the lightweight title picture amid a stacked division. Natalia Silva also secured a top spot after beating Rose Namajunas, likely earning the next women's flyweight title shot. Expect Gaethje vs. Topuria unification bout soon, possibly at Freedom 250 on June 14.
AgentMMA.com
