Michael Chandler accuses Ilia Topuria of lying and warns the Spaniard about challenges in the new UFC division

Michael chandler before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC_AUSNZ

Michael chandler not convinced that Ilia Topuria really can no longer make the featherweight limit (up to 65,7 kg). Recently, the Spaniard announced that he would relinquish his belt and move up to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg), claiming that the weight cut was too tiring.

In an interview with Covers.com, Chandler said he had doubts about Topuria's real weight. The American said he had been close to the Spaniard and did not believe the estimate he claimed to have.

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“I think he’s lying a little bit about his weight. I don’t think he weighs 85 pounds. I’ve seen this guy. I’ve been around him. We’ve had conversations. But that being said, I think it would be cool for him to fight someone in the top five to get a title shot,” Chandler said.

Chandler warns of Topuria's challenges at lightweight

Chandler argues that, under normal circumstances, Topuria should face an opponent before fighting for the lightweight belt. He recalls that, in his only fight in the category, the Spaniard suffered a knockdown that almost put an end to his unbeaten streak.

“Common sense would say that yes, he shouldn’t go straight to fighting Makhachev. His fourth fight in the UFC was at lightweight. He was knocked down by a kick to the head. Now, I’m not saying that’s going to happen again, or that we lightweights are much bigger and stronger than the featherweights. That’s just hyperbole. But I will say this: there are some really big guys here. We hit much harder than the 66-pound fighters. It’s going to be a very interesting move up the division,” concluded the former Bellator champion.

Topuria has already fought at lightweight once, in March 2022, when he knocked out Jai Herbert and earned his first UFC bonus. He then returned to featherweight, where he maintained his winning streak, dethroning Alexander Volkanovsky to become champion and defending the belt with another knockout against Max Holloway No. UFC 308.

Chandler, in turn, has a scheduled commitment before thinking about Topuria's next fight. The American will face Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 314, on April 12th.