UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, reflecting key shifts across divisions. Justin Gaethje claimed interim lightweight title over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 and positioning for a shot at champion Ilia Topuria. Natalia Silva rose to #1 flyweight contender after beating Rose Namajunas, eyeing Valentina Shevchenko. Other moves include Jean Silva up four spots in featherweight to #3, Umar Nurmagomedov steady at #2 bantamweight, and Derrick Lewis dropping to #10 heavyweight. Impacts lightweight and flyweight title pictures significantly, setting up Gaethje-Topuria and Silva-Shevchenko next.
