Gaethje claims interim lightweight title at UFC 324

Following UFC 324, Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a win over Paddy Pimblett, vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings and positioning him as next challenger to champion Ilia Topuria. Arman Tsarukyan dropped to #2, with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway at #3 and #4; Oliveira and Holloway rematch soon at UFC 326 for the BMF title. In flyweight, Natalia Silva rose to #1 contender after beating Rose Namajunas, eyeing Valentina Shevchenko. These shifts clarify title pictures in lightweight and flyweight, setting up major 2026 bouts amid new Paramount partnership.