Gaethje Claims Interim LW Title, Eyes Topuria Showdown

Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, propelling him to #1 in the lightweight rankings and dropping Arman Tsarukyan to #2, Charles Oliveira to #3, and Max Holloway to #4. This positions Gaethje as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. The rankings update, the first of 2026, reflects UFC 324's outcomes despite the cancellation of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes. It solidifies Gaethje's title path in a stacked division.