What happened: Following his undisputed lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, the promotion has begun soliciting fan input on who should next challenge Justin Gaethje. The search for a new contender comes as Gaethje solidifies his status as the division's king after a dominant performance on the White House lawn.

Why it matters: The lightweight landscape has shifted significantly with Justin Gaethje atop the throne. Top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan, who served as the backup for the title bout, remains the most logical sporting choice, while a potential rematch with Max Holloway looms depending on the results of UFC 329. Gaethje's retirement remains a remote possibility as he has hinted at walking away while at his physical peak.

What to watch: The UFC is expected to monitor the recovery of both Gaethje and the lightweight contenders before announcing a headliner for the fall schedule.