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Where We Stand: Lightweight Division | January 2026

For the second time, Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title, thwarting Paddy Pimblett and denying Pimblett and champion Ilia Topuria the chance to have their long-simmering grudge match. Instead, “The Highlight” scored one for the veterans, becoming the oldest man to hold the lightweight title and lining up his third shot at the undisputed title when he faces “El Matador.”

Meanwhile, the lightweight title picture continues getting increasingly crowded with each passing month. After some defining results in the last three months, with more to come in the near future, this is where we stand in the lightweight division:

Last Fight: KO Win vs Charles Oliveira (6/28/2025)

Next fight: N/A

Ilia Topuria of Spain strikes Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
Ilia Topuria of Spain strikes Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.