Gaethje claims interim title, Silva rises in rankings

UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, reflecting major shifts across divisions. Justin Gaethje claimed interim lightweight title over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 and positioning him as next challenger to champion Ilia Topuria for a unification bout at Freedom 250 on June 14. Natalia Silva rose to #1 flyweight contender after beating Rose Namajunas, eyeing Valentina Shevchenko. Other moves include Jean Silva up four spots in featherweight, Umar Nurmagomedov steady at #2 bantamweight, and Derrick Lewis dropping to #10 heavyweight. These changes clarify title pictures and set up massive fights.