Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings and dropping Arman Tsarukyan to #2, with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway at #3 and #4. This positions Gaethje as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. The update follows UFC 324's finishes despite the Harrison-Nunes co-main cancellation. It matters for lightweight as it sets up a unification bout amid Topuria's potential return. Holloway defends BMF title vs. Oliveira at UFC 326. Expect Gaethje-Topuria faceoff soon.
According to reports that have not yet been officially confirmed, Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett, a result that has reshuffled the 155-pound rankings and set the stage for a potential unification bout.
The reported rankings update places Gaethje at number one in the lightweight division, with Arman Tsarukyan sliding to second. Charles Oliveira sits third and Max Holloway fourth. With Ilia Topuria holding the undisputed title, Gaethje would be the logical next challenger if the interim result is confirmed and recognized.
Topuria, the pound-for-pound number-one fighter in the world at just 29 years old, carries a 17-1 record and represents Spain and the Climent Club. The Georgian-Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a complete threat in any unification matchup.
Oliveira, the 36-year-old Brazilian out of Chute Boxe Diego Lima, holds a 37-11-0 record and ranks eleventh pound-for-pound. He averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, the highest submission output among the ranked fighters listed, and lands at a 54 percent striking accuracy rate. He is reportedly set to face Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 326.
Holloway, ranked ninth pound-for-pound at 34 years old, brings a 27-9-0 record and a relentless volume attack, averaging 7.2 significant strikes per minute. The Hawaiian stands five-foot-eleven with a 69-inch reach.
Why it matters
- A Gaethje-Topuria unification bout would bring together the interim and undisputed lightweight titles
- Oliveira and Holloway's BMF clash at UFC 326 keeps both men active while the title picture develops
- Tsarukyan drops to second despite no reported loss, keeping the top of the division tightly contested
