UFC champion Ilia Topuria has revealed that serious legal issues tied to his personal life are the reason he has stepped away from the Octagon, saying what he describes as “false allegations of domestic abuse” have forced him to pause his fighting career.
According to ESPN, Topuria, one of the UFC’s most dominant stars, last competed in June 2025, when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the vacant lightweight title, after previously holding the featherweight belt. The win made him a rare two-division champion.
However, in late November, Topuria unexpectedly announced he would be taking time off, leaving fans wondering when he would return.
On Monday, December 15, the fighter offered clarity in a detailed statement shared on social media. “Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title,” Topuria wrote, explaining that the situation involved more than just career considerations. “When circumstances arise that threaten your personal integrity, your family, and your reputation, there comes a point when you must address them directly.”
For months, reports had circulated that Topuria was in the middle of a contentious divorce from his estranged wife, Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, the mother of his two children. According to Topuria, the dispute escalated far beyond private family matters.
He claimed he had been subjected to “severe and unacceptable pressure,” including alleged attempts to leverage accusations against him. “Including threats to disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met,” he wrote, adding that the claims are “entirely unfounded.”
Topuria said he has taken formal legal steps, noting that “all relevant evidence has been carefully preserved and documented,” including recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material.
He further stated that this information has been submitted to judicial authorities as part of actions involving alleged attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds, and threats.
The UFC star said his initial silence was meant to protect his children but acknowledged that staying quiet allowed speculation to grow. Still, he emphasized that the matter now rests with the courts.
“I have full confidence in the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on evidence,” he wrote, adding that he would not comment further out of respect for his family.
With Topuria sidelined, the UFC announced that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, with the winner expected to face Topuria later in 2026.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. In the U.S., you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for confidential support, resources, and live chat options.