UFC 2026 rankings: Gaethje interim champ at LW

UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, shaking up multiple divisions. Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 and positioning him as next for champion Ilia Topuria in the lightweight title picture. Natalia Silva rose to #1 flyweight contender after beating Rose Namajunas, eyeing Valentina Shevchenko. Other shifts include Jean Silva jumping four spots in featherweight to #3, Umar Nurmagomedov holding #2 bantamweight, and heavyweight moves with Waldo Cortes-Acosta at #5 and Marcin Tybura to #8. These changes clarify title paths amid a busy schedule.