Chandler and Ilia Topuria's confidence: "We haven't seen a guy like that since Conor McGregor"

American mixed martial artist Michael Chandler had two high points in the UFC , but neither went his way. He first challenged for the lightweight title in May 2021 against Brazilian Charles Oliveira , but lost by TKO in the second round. In June of last year, he was scheduled to face the sport's superstar Conor McGregor , but an injury to the Irishman meant that fight never came to pass.

In any case, Chandler, who was Bellator champion several years ago, has always been considered one of the most spectacular lightweight fighters. Now, he will have an interesting challenge ahead: facing the English star Paddy Pimblett. While he is already preparing for UFC 314 in Miami, scheduled for April 12, the American wanted to give his perspective regarding the possibility of Ilia Topuria fighting against the division champion, Islam Makhachev .

“Ilia Topuria is a different breed. I don’t think we’ve seen a guy with this much self-confidence since Conor McGregor,” he said in an interview with journalist Ariel Helwani. And Chandler knows what he’s talking about, as, as we said, he came very close to facing the Dubliner. “You never give up a belt without a belt you’re going to fight for. But Ilia Topuria is different. I don’t think it’s out of the question for Ilia to say: ‘I’m a lightweight now, put me against whoever you want,’” added the American.

The former UFC title challenger also believes that the fight between the Spanish-Georgian and the Russian champion will finally take place. “Dana White runs the most successful MMA promotion on the planet and sometimes he lies. Sometimes he lies on purpose. Therefore, it is very possible that the fight between Islam and Topuria will be announced ,” he said without hesitation. The next few weeks will be decisive in determining the future of the division.