Despite losing Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, the UFC clearly tried to stack their first card on Paramount as much as they could. They had a Nurmagomedov, a former champion in Deiveson Figueiredo and a highly touted prospect in Ateba Gautier, all fight on the prelims. In the main event, an all-time action hero, a man with a legitimate claim as the most entertaining fighter ever, Justin Gaethje, put on yet another classic in a hard-fought win against Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett to become a two-time interim champion. With the Paramount era officially off to a good start, let’s look at what’s next for Saturday’s winners.
Justin Gaethje
It’s difficult to decipher what being a two-time interim champion means for Justin Gaethje’s legacy, but what Saturday did provide was yet another reminder that this class of lightweight action heroes is possibly the most special era of any division ever. Gaethje, along with the Charles Oliveiras, Dustin Poiriers, etc. of this lightweight class have been challenged numerous times by the so-called new wave of 155ers, but they have kept giving them the Dikembe Mutombo finger wag. Aside from Arman Tsarukyan, the wave of new names from four or five years have been denied by this aging, but historically great pack of lightweights. Despite an inspired effort, Paddy Pimblett can now be added to the list of names who have fallen short to Gaethje & Company.
As for “The Highlight”, we can expect to see him unify the titles against Ilia Topuria, potentially on the White House lawn. Maybe Topuria is out for even longer than expected and Gaethje has to defend his interim belt, but I’d be doubtful (at least for now).
Gaethje’s next fight: Ilia Topuria
Sean O’Malley
After dropping back-to-back contests to Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley’s place in the title picture at bantamweight seemed blurry at best and non-existent at worst. But once Petr Yan pulled off the upset and grabbed the belt back, O’Malley’s fight with Song Yadong suddenly took on an entirely different meaning. With a win, O’Malley would have a claim to a title shot since he has a win against Yan, as controversial as it may be.
This decision may have looked somewhat unimpressive compared to some of the highlights he has produced in the past, but it was a win nonetheless and I do believe it will be enough for O’Malley to slide right back into title contention. Especially with a card at the White House coming up, the promotion will probably be looking for Americans to put into some of those title fights, and O’Malley fits that bill.
O’Malley’s next fight: Petr Yan
Waldo Cortes-Acosta
In a surprising turn of events, Waldo Cortes-Acosta has been on a heater at heavyweight since dropping a decision to Sergei Pavlovich. He fought 5 times in 2025, including twice in November. Having now fought on the first card of 2026, he clearly didn’t want to waste any time getting back inside the octagon. After making quick work of Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev, he showed a more patient and methodical approach to dismantling the power threat in Derrick Lewis. He used his speed advantage to disorient Lewis and break his rhythm, on his way to a second-round TKO.
He called out Curtis Blaydes, which isn’t a bad option, but I prefer the Alexander Volkov matchup. Unfortunately for Volkov, he’ll almost certainly have to fight again before earning his title shot due to the delays of Tom Aspinall’s return. Why not take out the exciting new player in “Salsa Boy” to once again reaffirm your place as next in line?
Cortes-Acosta’s next fight: Alexander Volkov
Natalia Silva
It wasn’t the most action-packed nor the most decisive victory of Silva’s perfect UFC run, so far, but she was already the clear number one contender coming into this bout. Rose Namajunas may have leapfrogged Silva had she beaten Alexa Grasso on this card, which is why it was probably the right call for her to jump into Grasso’s spot once the Mexican withdrew as a way to make sure Rose couldn’t steal her spot.
Usually, these types of performances wouldn’t land you a title shot, especially when there are other names with a claim to it. However, Silva was already deserving of her shot after beating Grasso, this was just some added cushion between her and Erin Blanchfield, Maycee Barber, and the other contenders at flyweight. It may not be the most thrilling affair, but Valentina Shevchenko vs. Natalia Silva should be next.
Silva’s next fight: Valentina Shevchenko
Jean Silva
After suffering his first UFC loss to Diego Lopes in September, fans were wondering how the Brazilian would bounce back. Silva, who was often looking to shake hands with his opponent mid fight, was all business this time around. No fooling around, no unnecessary shenanigans, Silva came to fight. He was still mean-mugging Arnold Allen, doing theatrics in the dying seconds of the bout and was barking after winning the decision, but while in the fight, he seemed to have an added focus.
This allowed him to take home a competitive, but clear decision victory over the Englishman, who’s been a staple of the featherweight top10 for nearly half a decade, now. Knowing the promotion was ready to strap a rocket to him had he defeated Lopes in September, this win should bring him right back into a number one contender bout. I think a fight with Yair Rodriguez in late spring/early summer not only makes a whole lot of sense, but would be absolute fireworks, too.
Silva’s next fight: Yair Rodriguez
