Chandler Calls Ilia Topuria the Most Impressive Fighter Right Now

The UFC lightweight division has seen a wave of changes in recent years, with new champions emerging and veterans adjusting to shifting dynamics. Among the seasoned contenders still making their mark, Michael Chandler stands out as one of the most vocal and respected names in the sport. While Chandler might be further from title contention than in his early UFC days, his experience and perspective carry weight — especially when he singles out a fighter for praise.

Recently, Chandler turned heads by calling Ilia Topuria “the most impressive mixed martial artist on the planet right now.” For a man who has shared the Octagon with elite names like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett, such a statement is no small endorsement.

The Rise of Ilia Topuria in the Lightweight Division

Ilia Topuria’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. Undefeated at 17-0, he first made his mark as the UFC featherweight champion before making the bold move up to the lightweight division. His transition could not have gone better — at UFC 317 in June, Topuria dismantled Chandler’s old rival, Charles Oliveira, in the very first round to claim the lightweight title.

Topuria’s dominance has captured the attention of both fans and fellow fighters. His ability to adapt to new weight classes, stay composed under pressure, and finish elite opponents has placed him in the conversation for No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Chandler, speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, didn’t hesitate to back that sentiment.

“He might be the most impressive mixed martial artist on the entire planet right now, by far,” Chandler said. “His ability to navigate and negotiate the distance, to know exactly when to throw his attacks — which are not flashy, by the way — is what I love most about him.”

Winning with the Basics

One of the most striking things about Topuria’s style, according to Chandler, is his reliance on fundamentals over unnecessary flash. Many fighters attempt spinning attacks, high-risk kicks, or wild combinations in pursuit of highlight-reel finishes. Topuria, however, keeps things simple — and devastatingly effective.

“I love that Ilia Topuria is winning titles and dominating people by being brilliant with the basics,” Chandler explained. “A good jab, a hard overhand right, followed by a left hook, a couple of leg kicks here and there, good distance management, and most importantly, patience. He’s comfortable in the Octagon and knows exactly when to throw the punches, when to throw combinations. He’s impressive, man. I don’t see him losing any time soon.”

This emphasis on basics and patience is part of what makes Topuria so dangerous. He doesn’t overcommit. He doesn’t give opponents easy openings. Instead, he applies calculated pressure and capitalizes on mistakes with ruthless precision.

Who Can Beat Topuria? Chandler’s Take

When pressed on who might have the best chance of dethroning the unbeaten champion, Chandler didn’t hesitate to bring up a few notable names.

“The old Justin Gaethje would probably go out there and get starched because he’d run into one of those big punches,” Chandler said. “But he’s definitely cleaned that up a little bit. Paddy Pimblett will stay away because, as big as he talks, he’s gonna be aware of the power. Then there’s Arman Tsarukyan, who’s probably the best grappler out of the lot.”

If Chandler had to put money on it, Gaethje would still be his pick. “Best chance to beat him? I’d still go with Gaethje just because of how impressive his entire career has been. He’s cleaned it up, and he’ll fight more tactically now.”

Chandler’s Own Future in the UFC

While Chandler is clearly fascinated by the current state of the lightweight division, his own fight schedule remains uncertain. The 39-year-old has not competed since his third-round TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett in April, and he admitted he doesn’t expect to fight again in 2025. However, there is one card he’s targeting: the highly anticipated White House event in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2026.

“That’s the one I want,” Chandler said. “Every single person on the UFC roster wants that fight. You’ve got Jon Jones coming out of retirement, Conor McGregor possibly coming back — it’s the pinnacle. I’ve spoken to the UFC about it, and they know I want to be on that card, carrying the red, white, and blue into the Octagon. It would be a dream come true.”

The McGregor Question

Of course, no conversation about Chandler’s next fight can avoid the name Conor McGregor. The two have been linked since their time as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023, but the bout has never materialized. They were finally set to meet at UFC 303 in 2024 before McGregor withdrew due to a broken toe just two weeks before the fight.

Chandler has mixed feelings about the whole saga. “I think he had every intention to fight. Broken pinky toe? I would have stepped in there, but I’m different than a lot of guys. I’ve never pulled out of a fight, never missed weight in over 30 fights. It’s just what I do.”

When asked if he still hopes for the McGregor fight, Chandler was candid. “If you’re a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on it. But definitely bet the house on Chandler fighting on the White House card.”

Why Chandler’s Words on Topuria Matter

Chandler’s praise for Topuria carries extra weight because he has faced and studied the best in the world. His breakdown of Topuria’s patience, distance control, and commitment to fundamentals offers insight into why the Georgian-Spanish star has been so dominant.

It’s not just about raw athleticism or knockout power — though Topuria has both in abundance. It’s about fight IQ, discipline, and the ability to implement a strategy perfectly under the brightest lights.

If Chandler’s assessment proves correct, the lightweight division could be looking at a long reign for Topuria. And if the “most impressive fighter in the world” tag sticks, fans might soon see him cross over into mainstream recognition, much like McGregor did at his peak.

For now, Topuria remains unbeaten, untouchable, and — according to one of the sport’s most respected veterans — unmatched in today’s MMA landscape.