Michael Chandler has shared the Octagon with both Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, giving him a rare perspective ahead of the upcoming interim lightweight title fight. With Ilia Topuria holding the undisputed championship and stepping away temporarily, the division is set for a major shake up.
The first UFC main event of 2026 will take place in Las Vegas, where an interim champion will be crowned. The matchup has sparked debate, particularly around Paddy Pimblett’s rapid rise and whether he belongs in a fight of this magnitude.
Chandler believes the answer will become clear once the cage door closes.
Chandler leans toward experience in the interim title fight
Chandler and Justin Gaethje delivered one of the most violent lightweight fights in recent memory when they met at UFC 268. Years later, Chandler found himself across from Paddy Pimblett, a bout that ended with the British star securing a stoppage victory and elevating his profile even further.
Those two fights place Chandler in a unique position to evaluate how the interim title contest could unfold.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Chandler acknowledged that Pimblett is often underestimated, but still sees a clear edge in Gaethje’s favor.
“But, Gaethje is a whole different animal,” he said. “So, if I had to bet, which I can’t, but if I had to lean one direction I’d go Justin Gaethje. Interim champion and then he beats Ilia Topuria later on this year.”
Chandler did not stop there, expanding on why he believes Gaethje could follow up an interim win by unifying the belts.
“Maybe. Tough one, very tough one. I’m a Gaethje guy. But, I’ve also been on record saying I think Ilia Topuria is the most skilled fighter in the UFC that we have on the planet right now.”
What made Paddy Pimblett difficult to deal with
While Chandler favors Gaethje, he made it clear that his loss to Pimblett was not a result of complacency or surprise. Instead, he pointed to specific physical and technical challenges that made the fight difficult.
Reflecting on their matchup, Chandler explained what stood out most once they engaged.
“It was his length and even just kinda the way he moves,” he added. “He moves really well to be able to throw a kick at any time and they’re fast.”
Chandler described Pimblett as a fighter who constantly appears within striking range while remaining difficult to connect with cleanly. However, he believes that approach may not translate as effectively against Gaethje’s relentless pressure.
“I think the cadence at which he moves, it was almost like he was always there to be hit yet he wasn’t easy to hit because of the length and the distance and I just think Gaethje brings a different level of violence and he takes a lot of chances whereas Paddy is a bit more calculated.”
With Ilia Topuria stepping away from competition, the interim title sets up a clear path toward unification later in the year. Chandler sees Gaethje as the fighter most capable of carrying momentum into that matchup, though he remains highly respectful of the champion’s skill set.
Topuria’s technical precision and composure have separated him from the rest of the division, but Chandler believes styles and timing could play a decisive role once the belts are on the line.
Whether it is Gaethje’s pressure or Pimblett’s unpredictability, Chandler is confident that the interim title fight will produce a challenger capable of testing the champion in a meaningful way.
As the lightweight division prepares for a pivotal stretch, Chandler’s perspective adds another layer to a title picture that continues to evolve.
