The praise keeps pouring down on Ilia Topuria. The latest to shower the UFC double champion with compliments is American fighter Michael Chandler — one of the most respected and beloved names in the world of mixed martial arts.
The 39-year-old legend, currently ranked No. 12 in the lightweight division, had no hesitation in calling the Spanish-Georgian athlete the best fighter in the world right now.
“Ilia Topuria is the most gifted man on the planet in the world of mixed martial arts. He and Alex Pereira are absolute monsters, but Ilia even has the edge in that comparison,” Chandler said during a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show.
Michael Chandler
Zuffa LLC
Chandler’s pick for Topuria’s next opponent
The American fighter also made clear who he would like to see challenge Topuria in his next title defense, although he admits it won’t be easy to decide who truly deserves the shot — or who can sell more tickets.
“I’ve said it before. I’d like it to be Gaethje,” Chandler explained. “There are strong arguments for both. Paddy has never fought for a title and is still relatively new, while Justin has proved himself every single time — always fight of the night — but he’s already had a couple of chances at the belt. It’s a tough debate, and that’s why I wouldn’t want to be the promoter.”
“No one can dethrone Topuria”
Still, Chandler is convinced that neither Justin Gaethje nor Paddy Pimblett has what it takes to dethrone the undefeated champion — now dominant in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions. In truth, perhaps no one does.
Over the past five years, Chandler himself has fallen to both men who once held the same throne Topuria now occupies.
Topuria, for his part, is reportedly considering making his first title defense in late January — if the UFC gives the green light.
That’s when the promotion is expected to stage its first major event of the year under Paramount, the new broadcaster that has secured rights to air UFC fights across the United States, Australia, and Latin America — for a staggering $1.1 billion per year.
A leaked event license suggests that the first numbered UFC card of 2026 is set for January 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, though there is still no official confirmation from Dana White or the promotion itself.