'You’re gonna see something spectacular,' Ilia Topuria previews fight between ‘special’ Conor McGregor and ‘tough’ Michael Chandler

Oddsmakers have McGregor as a small favorite for the fight against Chandler. However, many are skeptical of the Irishman as he has not fought in almost three years. Nonetheless, Chandler’s recklessness has often caused his downfall, and McGregor is the last person Chandler should fight recklessly against.

Topuria also praised Sean O’Malley, who called him out after “Suga” defeated Marlon Vera at UFC 299. However, Topuria didn’t entertain the idea, suggesting the bantamweight champion to fight his close friend and number one bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili.

Ilia Topuria explains why he receives a huge reception in Europe

Ilia Topuria has become a sensation in the MMA realm, particularly in Spain and Georgia. After he won the title, Topuria met with the Spanish Prime Minister and Georgian President. Moreover, he received various gifts, even the latest Aston Martin DB series model.

Topuria also received Spanish citizenship and has become very popular among top football stars like Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi . Moreover, fans swarmed him when he arrived in Georgia. On the MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani compared the featherweight champion to Conor McGregor, and Topuria revealed why it is so.

I called the show before. I was saying to everyone that I would become a UFC world champion because I sacrificed a lot of things. I think they found some kind of inspiration and motivation in me. I think that's the main reason I get so much love from them. It wasn't just because I became a UFC world champion, you know. Those are my thoughts, yes. Ilia Topuria via the MMA Hour

Topuria’s upcoming fight is potentially against BMF champion Max “Blessed” Holloway. He has previewed the fight as an easy matchup. Moreover, Holloway’s performance against Justin Gaethje didn’t impress the featherweight champion. As such, the UFC will likely announce the bout in the not-too-distant future.