Gaethje, Silva earn title shots after UFC 324 rankings

The first UFC rankings update of 2026 following UFC 324 has effectively set up two major title fights. Interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje moved to the No. 1 contender spot after his performance in the UFC 324 main event, positioning him as the next challenger for undisputed champion Ilia Topuria later this year. In the women’s flyweight division, Natalia Silva’s win on the UFC 324 main card elevated her to the official No. 1 contender slot, lining her up for a title shot against champion Valentina Shevchenko. Featherweight contender Jean Silva also surged four spots, tightening an already crowded title picture at 145 pounds.