Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

“He Might Be the Most Impressive Fighter Alive” – Mike Chandler Praises Ilia Topuria on The Ariel Helwani Show

On The Ariel Helwani Show, Mike Chandler praised unbeatable Ilia Topuria's mastery.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Since Mike Chandler’s last UFC appearance (a third-round TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett in April), Ilia Topuria has emerged as the new king of the lightweight division. The unbeaten Spaniard, who previously reigned as featherweight champion, claimed the 155-pound crown at UFC 317 in June. He did it with a devastating first-round knockout of Chandler’s old rival, Charles Oliveira. The win extended Topuria’s perfect record to 17-0 and fueled talk of his pound-for-pound supremacy.

In an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Chandler didn’t hesitate to crown Topuria. “He might be the most impressive mixed martial artist on the entire planet right now, by far,” Chandler said.

Michael Chandler talks Ilia Topuria#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/HhY51Ajqlm
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 12, 2025

Chandler’s Verdict on Topuria’s Unbeaten Run

What impressed Chandler most wasn’t flashy technique but Topuria’s discipline. “His ability to navigate and negotiate the distance, as well as … to know at the exact right time when to throw his attacks, which are not very flashy, by the way, and I love that the most about him.” Chandler said. “I love that Ilia Topuria is winning titles and dominating people by being brilliant with the basics. A good jab, a hard overhand right, followed by a left hook, couple leg kicks here and there, good distance, and most importantly, patience.”

Chandler knows about elite competition, having faced Dan Hooker, Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier since joining the UFC in 2021. After watching Topuria dismantle opponents, Chandler doesn’t see anyone dethroning him soon, but if he had to pick, there’s one name.

“Best chance to beat him? I’d still go with Gaethje just because of how impressive his entire career has been, and he’s kind of cleaned it up, and he’ll fight more tactically,” Chandler said. He noted that the “old Gaethje” would rush in and get clipped, but the refined version could pose problems.

Michael Chandler believes Justin Gaethje should be next for Ilia Topuria: pic.twitter.com/vTV7VAnidk
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 12, 2025

For now, Chandler has no plans to fight in 2025, with his eyes fixed on a potential July 4, 2026, showdown with Conor McGregor at the White House event in Washington, D.C. Whether or not that blockbuster happens, Chandler remains both a keen observer and a willing participant in the sport’s biggest conversations, especially when it comes to fighters like Ilia Topuria, whose rise seems unstoppable.

Michael Chandler on wanting to compete on The White House card.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/8J9dxQsQkK
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 12, 2025

Mandatory Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ilia Topuria

Mike Chandler

The Ariel Helwani Show

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.