Ilia Topuria won’t be defending his UFC lightweight championship anytime soon.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) initially planned on taking some personal time off, which resulted in an interim title fight booking between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 headliner on Jan. 24. However, it appears Topuria will be out for even longer after ongoing legal issues with his ex-wife.
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Topuria, 28, revealed that he’s facing allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, forcing him to focus on dealing with the situation. On Monday, he opened up on his “difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending (his) title” in a lengthy statement posted on 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,” Topuria said. “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. … 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.”
Topuria went on to say he will not be commenting further on the situation.
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More: Ilia Topuria: Gaethje-Pimblett ‘very deserving’ interim title fight
Topuria didn’t mention anything about vacating his belt, but Pimblett believes the winner of his UFC 323 fight with Gaethje could be elevated to undisputed champion if Topuria doesn’t return by summer.
Topuria, a former UFC featherweight champion who knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in consecutive fights, claimed the lightweight title this past June with a knockout of former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ilia Topuria reveals family-related legal issue forcing time away
