Quick read
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in the UFC 324 main event to claim the interim lightweight championship for the second time, vaulting to #1 in the lightweight rankings. This bumped Arman Tsarukyan to #2, with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropping to #3 and #4. Gaethje is now positioned as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. The rankings update followed UFC 324, the first event of 2026 on Paramount+. This shift clarifies the lightweight title picture amid Topuria's absence. Expect Gaethje vs. Topuria unification bout later in 2026.
AgentMMA.com
