Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 main event, vaulting to #1 in UFC rankings and dropping Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4. This positions Gaethje as next challenger for undisputed champ Ilia Topuria upon his return. Oliveira and Holloway are set for BMF title rematch at UFC 326. The update followed UFC 324's first major card of 2026 under Paramount partnership. Gaethje's second interim reign strengthens lightweight title picture amid Topuria's absence.
According to reports that have not yet been officially confirmed, Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event, instantly reshaping the 155-pound division's landscape heading into 2026.
The reported outcome positions Gaethje as the mandatory challenger for undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria upon the Georgian-Spaniard's return. Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The champion lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and averages 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat across all phases.
The reshuffled rankings reportedly drop Charles Oliveira to third in the division. "Do Bronx," now 36, holds a 37-11-0 career record and remains one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history, posting 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. Max Holloway slots in at fourth, the 34-year-old American carrying a 27-9-0 record and a relentless 7.2 significant strikes landed per minute — one of the highest volumes in the entire lightweight tier.
Oliveira and Holloway are reportedly set to meet in a BMF title rematch at UFC 326, a collision of two fighters sitting just outside the undisputed title picture.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's reported interim reign sets up a potential undisputed title unification bout with Topuria once the champion is ready to compete
- Oliveira and Holloway's BMF rematch keeps both men relevant and could vault the winner back into title contention
- The divisional shake-up arrives during UFC's first major card cycle under its Paramount broadcast partnership, raising the stakes for each ranking movement
- Arman Tsarukyan, pushed to second in the reported new rankings, also remains in the undisputed title conversation
