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The first UFC rankings update of 2026 positions Justin Gaethje as #1 interim lightweight contender after defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, earning a shot at champion Ilia Topuria. Natalia Silva secures the next women's flyweight title opportunity following her win over Rose Namajunas. These shifts reshape lightweight and flyweight title pictures post-UFC 324. Gaethje's second interim belt run intensifies unification talks. Topuria's return date will dictate the matchup timeline. Silva's rise pressures the flyweight hierarchy.[2]
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