Michael Chandler is backing Justin Gaethje to shock Ilia Topuria in their lightweight title unification bout at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
Topuria is scheduled to face interim champion Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, which is set to take place at the White House in Washington D.C. and is associated with Paramount+.
"My heart says Justin," Chandler said, explaining why he’s siding with Gaethje against the undefeated champion. "He and I have become friendly over the last couple of years. We're cut from the same cloth – college wrestlers, hard working mom and dad. Ilia Topuria is just about as unbeatable as we have seen in a very long time. But with that being said, nobody stays undefeated in this sport."
Chandler doubled down on his prediction, adding: "And if anybody has the ability to knock off Ilia Topuria, take his 0, take his undefeated streak, take his belt, it's Justin Gaethje – especially with this much on the line, on America's birthday, on the 250th anniversary of this great nation of ours. I'm leaning toward Gaethje. I think he's going to get the job done."
Chandler will also compete at UFC Freedom 250, meeting Mauricio Ruffy while entering the event on a three-fight losing streak.
