Gaethje Claims Interim LW Belt, Tops Rankings

Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event last Saturday, bumping to #1 in the lightweight rankings. This dropped Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4, positioning Gaethje as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva defeated Rose Namajunas to secure #1 contender status against Valentina Shevchenko. Jean Silva jumped four spots to featherweight top 10 after beating Arnold Allen. These shifts post-UFC 324, the first event of 2026 amid UFC's Paramount partnership, reshape title pictures in lightweight and flyweight divisions. Expect Gaethje vs. Topuria and Silva vs. Shevchenko bookings soon.[1]