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.
The first UFC rankings update of 2026 has reshaped the lightweight division and beyond, triggered by the results of UFC 324 and the crowning of a new interim champion.
Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, vaulting him to the number one contender spot behind undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. Arman Tsarukyan slid to number two as a result of Gaethje's rise.
Charles Oliveira, now ranked third at lightweight, carries a 37-11-0 record and is one of the division's most dangerous finishers. The 36-year-old Brazilian averages 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes and 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a persistent threat on the ground. He is scheduled to rematch Max Holloway at UFC 326, with the BMF title on the line.
Holloway, ranked fourth, holds a 27-9-0 record and is the division's most prolific striker by volume, landing 7.2 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent accuracy. The 34-year-old Hawaiian trains out of Gracie Technics and brings a 69-inch reach into his fights. His upcoming rematch with Oliveira adds significant divisional intrigue.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's interim title sets up a potential unification bout with Topuria at the top of lightweight
- Oliveira vs. Holloway 2 at UFC 326 will influence the next wave of contender shuffling at 155 pounds
- Natalia Silva's rise to number one contender in women's flyweight puts her next in line for Valentina Shevchenko, the 26-4-1 champion who averages 3.14 significant strikes per minute and 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes
- Derrick Lewis's drop to number ten and Marcin Tybura's entry at number eight signal continued movement in the heavyweight top ten
