Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, becoming #1 contender to undisputed champion Ilia Topuria in the first 2026 rankings update. Gaethje displaced Arman Tsarukyan to #2, with Oliveira and Holloway dropping to 3 and 4 ahead of their UFC 326 rematch. This sets up a massive unification bout, highlighting Gaethje's resilience and Topuria's dominance. It shakes up lightweight, pressuring Topuria's return timeline. Expect Gaethje vs Topuria announcement soon for a summer slot like Freedom 250.
