UFC released its first official rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett and rising to #1 contender behind champion Ilia Topuria. Gaethje displaced Arman Tsarukyan to #2, while Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropped to #3 and #4 ahead of their UFC 326 rematch for the BMF belt. Natalia Silva became #1 flyweight contender after beating Rose Namajunas, positioning her for a Valentina Shevchenko shot. Umar Nurmagomedov stayed #2 at bantamweight post-win over Deiveson Figueiredo; Jean Silva jumped four spots to #3 featherweight. These shifts clarify title pictures across lightweight, flyweight, and featherweight divisions, setting up major bouts like Topuria vs. Gaethje.
