Gaethje wins interim LW belt, eyes Topuria unification

Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event last Saturday, claiming the belt for the second time and vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings. This bumped Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4. Gaethje is now positioned as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva defeated Rose Namajunas to secure #1 contender status against Valentina Shevchenko. Jean Silva rose four spots to featherweight top 10 after beating Arnold Allen. These shifts post-UFC 324, the first event of 2026 under Paramount partnership, reshape title pictures in multiple divisions with unification and fresh matchups ahead.[1]