US Edition"I Have Been Subjected to Severe and Unacceptable Pressure" - Ilia Topuria Issues Strong Statement Denying Domestic Abuse Allegations
Ilia Topuria cites false domestic abuse claims, alleged extortion, and legal battles as reasons for stepping away, prompting an interim lightweight title fight in January, UFC said.
- On Dec 15, 2025, Ilia Topuria, UFC double champion, said on social media he is temporarily stepping away due to "false allegations of domestic abuse" in a statement from Madrid.
- After separating from Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, ex-wife and mother of his young daughter, Topuria says recent months brought threats demanding money to avoid false accusations.
- Topuria said he turned evidence over to the courts, including audio recordings, written communications, witness statements and video, to pursue legal claims of attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, theft and multiple threats.
- The lightweight division will see an interim champion fight as Paddy Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje on Jan 24 at UFC 317, due to Topuria's absence.
- Out of respect for his children, Topuria asked the public to avoid speculation and requested privacy, stressing his values of respect, discipline, and honesty amid the judicial process.
56 Articles
56 Articles
The mixed martial arts fighter breaks the silence, accuses intolerable pressures and prioritizes a judicial process that temporarily removes him from the octagon
UFC star Ilia Topuria claims he’s being extorted with ‘false allegations of domestic abuse’
Ilia Topuria is stepping away from fighting in the UFC as he grapples with some serious problems. The lightweight champion issued a statement on Monday, claiming he's facing an extortion plot the centering as "false allegations of domestic abuse."
By Cesar Lopez, CNN en Español The renowned mixed martial arts fighter Ilia Topuria went out to explain why he could not be more consistent with his performances in the octagon, as in recent months the announcement of his fights has been dilated. The dual UFC champion issued a statement on his social networks saying that he has “had to temporarily give up defending” his title, as he has been victim of “in intolerable situations and pressures” in…
UFC star says he's facing extortion plot with 'false allegations of domestic abuse'
UFC star Ilia Topuria opened up about the reasons why he decided to step away from the cage for at least the first half of 2026 as he deals with a serious personal matter.Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship back in June, improving to 17-0 in his career and 9-0 since joining UFC. Dana White said Topuria will remain the champion as he navigates the murkiness of the situation that he was facing.CLICK HERE FOR MORE…
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