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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.
AgentMMA.com
