Ilia Topuria Cites ‘False Allegations’ as Reason for UFC Hiatus

UFC Champion Ilia Topuria Reveals Extortion Attempts Behind Hiatus

UFC star Ilia Topuria broke his silence Monday morning, revealing that “false allegations of domestic abuse” and attempted extortion are behind his unexpected absence from the Octagon.

The undefeated fighter, who made history earlier this year by claiming the lightweight championship when he knocked out Charles Oliveira, adding to his featherweight title, had surprised fans in late November by announcing an indefinite hiatus from competition. This withdrawal led the UFC to schedule an interim lightweight title bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for January 24.

“Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title,” Topuria wrote in a detailed social media statement. “This was not a decision I took lightly. However, when circumstances arise that threaten your personal integrity, your family, and your reputation, there comes a point when you must address them directly.”

The Georgian-Spanish fighter went on to disclose that he has been facing severe pressure, including threats to spread fabricated domestic abuse allegations unless he met financial demands. Topuria emphatically denied these claims, stating they are “entirely unfounded.”

According to the 27-year-old champion, he has meticulously gathered evidence including audio recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material. This documentation has been submitted to judicial authorities as part of legal action he’s pursuing for “attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds and personal property, and multiple threats.”

Topuria’s revelation comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Since joining the UFC in 2020, he has maintained a perfect professional record of 15-0, with his championship victory over Oliveira in June cementing his status as one of the organization’s most promising stars. His ability to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes placed him in an elite category of UFC “double champions” alongside figures like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes.

The timing of these allegations has significant implications for the UFC’s lightweight division, one of the promotion’s most competitive and lucrative weight classes. With Topuria sidelined, the upcoming Pimblett-Gaethje interim title fight will reshape the division’s landscape, potentially complicating Topuria’s return when he’s ready to defend his belt.

This situation also highlights the increasing scrutiny professional fighters face outside the cage. High-profile athletes across combat sports have increasingly become targets for various forms of extortion and false allegations as their fame and financial success grow.

The UFC has not yet issued an official statement regarding Topuria’s situation, nor provided a timeline for when they expect him to return to competition. The organization typically allows fighters to resolve personal and legal matters before scheduling their next appearances.

Topuria concluded his statement by expressing confidence in the judicial process: “I have full confidence in the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on evidence. Out of respect for my children and the ongoing legal proceedings, I will not be making any further public statements.”

As the legal process unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this situation impacts Topuria’s promising career and the competitive landscape of the UFC’s lightweight division. For now, the focus shifts to the interim title fight in January, which will determine who may eventually face Topuria in a unification bout when he makes his return to the Octagon.