The UFC’s reigning lightweight champion and former undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, has shed more light on the specific reasons he is temporarily stepping away from competition.
Topuria revealed back in November he would not be fighting in the first quarter of 2026 while “going through a difficult moment in my personal life,” but provided no further details at the time.
In an official statement posted to social media this week, Topuria, who is going through a separation, claimed he is being extorted.
Read Topuria’s full statement below:
“Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title. 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.
“In recent months, I have been subjected to severe and unacceptable pressure, including threats to disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met. These allegations are entirely unfounded. The truth is not a matter of opinion — it is a matter of evidence.
“All relevant evidence has been carefully preserved and documented, including audio recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material. This evidence has been submitted to the appropriate judicial authorities in order to pursue legal action for attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds and personal property, and multiple threats.
“My initial decision to remain silent was made solely to protect my children, who are the most important part of my life. However, I have come to understand that silence, under these circumstances, does not protect the truth — it allows false narratives to take hold.
“Many individuals have faced similar situations, and time and again the legal system has ultimately clarified the facts. Today, I am stepping forward not only for my family and myself, but also to demonstrate that no one should be forced to yield to intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Those who know me can attest that I have never engaged in violence of any kind, and that my life and career have always been guided by discipline, respect, and integrity.
“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. I respectfully ask that speculation be avoided and that my family’s privacy be honored during this sensitive time.
“The truth does not require volume — it requires facts.
“Thank you.”
Topuria is 17-0 in professional mixed martial arts and 9-0 since debuting in the UFC in 2020. His run in the 145-pound division was capped off with back-to-back knockout wins in 2024 over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 to become champion and over Max Holloway at UFC 308 in his lone title defence.
The 28-year-old Spanish-Georgian star vacated the featherweight title in February to move up to the 155-pound division and pursue a second belt. Topuria became the lightweight titleholder in June when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317.
Topuria had not defended his lightweight title before announcing he was temporarily stepping away from active competition.
The organization has since announced Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will compete for a vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 324 at the end of January.
Topuria had risen to No. 1 on the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings following his win over Oliveira but has since dropped to No. 2 after Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title in November.
