Ilia Topuria is a tall task for Justin Gaethje, says Michael Chandler

MMA veteran Michael Chandler has explained why Ilia Topuria is a tall task for Justin Gaethje to overcome.

As we know, Ilia Topuria is the reigning UFC lightweight champion, and Justin Gaethje is the interim champion after defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. So, it makes sense that the two will probably square off at some point later this year.

RELATED: Charles Oliveira shares prediction for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje fight after UFC 324

With Topuria’s personal issues, though, it’s not clear as to when exactly he’s going to come back. He’s suggested on social media that he’s back training again, though, which is a good sign, whereas Gaethje will likely be preparing for the fight of his life against one of the scariest knockout artists in the history of the lightweight division.

In a recent interview, Gaethje’s former opponent Michael Chandler gave his thoughts on him taking on Ilia Topuria.

Chandler’s view on Topuria vs Gaethje

“It is tough,” Chandler told MMA Junkie in an interview on behalf of Phorm Energy. “The way that I describe it is like, I do think there’s been some people saying it was kind of a sloppier fight, there was other stuff happening, it wasn’t as technical. I think Justin Gaethje is more technical vs. a more technical opponent. Paddy has this very unpredictable, herky-jerky, kind of awkward, weird style, which I think lends itself to both guys fighting a little bit sloppier, a little bit more sporadic or chaotic than they normally would.

“You go back and watch Gaethje vs. (Dustin) Poirier, Gaethje vs. myself, Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson, these fights where it’s like traditional striker vs. traditional striker, kind of very similar movements, he can put on a lot more of a technical performance. With that being said, Ilia Topuria is easily the most talented and most dangerous guy in the entirety of the UFC. So it’s going to be a tall task. He’ll be a little more cautious, which will be very good for Gaethje.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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