Ilia Topuria Denies Estranged Wife’s Allegations

UFC star Ilia Topuria has broken his silence on the reasons behind his unexpected hiatus from competition, revealing that he is battling serious legal issues stemming from what he describes as “false allegations of domestic abuse” during a contentious divorce.

The 29-year-old fighter, who last appeared in the Octagon in June 2025 when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to claim the vacant lightweight title, addressed the situation in a detailed statement released on social media Monday.

“Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title,” Topuria wrote. “When circumstances arise that threaten your personal integrity, your family, and your reputation, there comes a point when you must address them directly.”

Topuria’s announcement comes after months of speculation following his surprising statement in late November that he would be taking time away from the sport. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has been one of UFC’s most marketable stars, holding both the featherweight and lightweight championships simultaneously—a rare achievement in the promotion’s history.

According to Topuria, the personal turmoil stems from his divorce proceedings with estranged wife Giorgina Uzcategui Badell, with whom he shares two children. The fighter claims the situation escalated beyond a typical divorce when he became the target of what he characterizes as extortion attempts.

“I have been subjected to severe and unacceptable pressure, including threats to disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met,” Topuria stated in his post. He emphatically denied the allegations, calling them “entirely unfounded.”

The champion further revealed that he has taken formal legal action, stating that he has preserved “all relevant evidence,” including recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material. These materials, according to Topuria, have been submitted to judicial authorities as part of legal proceedings involving alleged attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds, and threats.

Topuria explained that his initial reluctance to address the situation publicly was motivated by a desire to protect his children from media scrutiny. However, he acknowledged that his silence inadvertently fueled speculation about his absence from competition.

“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 on the matter out of respect for his family.

The timing of Topuria’s hiatus has created significant disruption in the UFC’s lightweight division. With the champion unavailable for the foreseeable future, the promotion has moved to keep the division active by scheduling an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and rising British star Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026.

Industry insiders expect the winner of that bout to face Topuria in a title unification match later in 2026, assuming the champion’s legal issues are resolved by then. The situation represents a significant setback for Topuria, who had been on a meteoric rise through the UFC ranks with an unblemished professional record.

The allegations come at a time when combat sports organizations have faced increased scrutiny regarding their handling of domestic violence accusations against athletes. The UFC has previously faced criticism for its inconsistent approach to fighters accused of domestic violence, sometimes releasing them immediately while in other cases allowing them to compete while legal proceedings unfold.

For now, Topuria maintains his innocence and asks fans for patience as he navigates these serious personal challenges away from the spotlight of professional fighting.