UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria released a detailed statement Monday morning alleging he is the target of an attempted extortion scheme involving what he describes as “entirely unfounded” accusations of domestic abuse.
Topuria, who recently withdrew from fighting in the first quarter of 2026 to address what he called “a difficult moment in my personal life,” said the allegations were accompanied by financial demands and threats to publicly release the claims if he did not comply.
ud83dudea8 BREAKING: Ilia Topuria announced he is temporarily stepping away from defending his title due to ongoing legal issues.