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 centered around “false allegations of domestic abuse.”
“Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title,” the 28-year-old said in a statement posted to social media. “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.”
That evidence, Topuria noted, included audio, video and written material, as well as witness statements the Georgian fighter has turned over to authorities.
He did not cite a specific individual he is accusing of extorting him, and asked that “speculation be avoided.”
At 17-0, Topuria has become a force to be reckoned with in MMA, defending his title with knockout wins over Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira — with his June 2025 UFC win over the latter his last appearance in the octagon for the time being. He is ranked No. 2 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound fighter rankings.
The lightweight title he’s held since Feb. 2024 will go to the winner of the Justin Gaethje-Paddy Pimblett bout at UFC 324 as an interim title.
