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The first UFC rankings update of 2026 follows UFC 324, placing Justin Gaethje at #1 interim lightweight contender after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision. Gaethje is now next in line to challenge undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. Natalia Silva earned the next women's flyweight title shot with a win over Rose Namajunas on the main card. These shifts reshape the lightweight and flyweight title pictures significantly. Fans anticipate Gaethje vs Topuria unification bout soon, possibly at Freedom 250.
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