Justin Gaethje secured the interim UFC lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, earning the #1 ranking in the division. The win positions Gaethje as the next challenger to undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria whenever 'El Matador' returns to competition in 2026. Gaethje's triumph marked his second interim title claim in his UFC career. The victory bumped Arman Tsarukyan down to #2, while Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway dropped to #3 and #4 respectively in the updated rankings. UFC 324 served as the promotion's debut event on Paramount+, featuring multiple title fights to kick off the year.
