The first UFC rankings update of 2026 followed UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje claiming the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett and jumping to #1 contender behind champion Ilia Topuria. Arman Tsarukyan dropped to #2, while Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway fell to #3 and #4; the latter two are set to rematch at UFC 326 for the BMF title. In women's flyweight, Natalia Silva rose to #1 contender after beating Rose Namajunas, positioning her for a shot at Valentina Shevchenko. Heavyweight saw Derrick Lewis drop to #10 after loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta, with Marcin Tybura entering #8. Bantamweight rankings adjusted with Umar Nurmagomedov at #2 and Deiveson Figueiredo at #7.
