Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 324 to claim the interim lightweight championship for the second time in his career. With this victory, Gaethje has been positioned as the #1 contender and is now next in line to challenge undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria whenever 'El Matador' returns to competition this year. The win bumped Arman Tsarukyan down to #2 in the rankings, while Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway each dropped one spot to #3 and #4 respectively. This development sets up a major title unification bout that could reshape the lightweight division's landscape.
