Justin Gaethje secured the interim lightweight championship in a brutal slugfest with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. His next move is a unification bout with champion Ilia Topuria, potentially at the White House. The win solidifies Gaethje's status as the division's top challenger, despite being a likely underdog against the champion.

Sean O'Malley edged out a decision victory over Song Yadong, setting his sights on a rematch with Umar Nurmagomedov. For Pimblett, a loss to Gaethje doesn't diminish his star power; he's now positioned for a high-stakes fight with top contender Arman Tsarukyan. These matchups will shape the lightweight and bantamweight landscapes in 2026.

The outcomes at UFC 324 create immediate and clear paths for the promotion's biggest stars. Fans can anticipate a potential Gaethje vs. Topuria title clash, while O'Malley and Pimblett remain firmly in the title picture with their next likely opponents identified. The action continues swiftly with UFC 325 just days away.