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UFC Star Ilia Topuuria opened up about the reasons why he decided to step away from the cage for at least the first half of 2026 as he deals with a serious personal matter.
Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship back in June, improving to 17-0 in his career and 9-0 since joining the UFC. Dana White said that Topuuria will always be a hero as he wanders around with a sigh of relief.
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Ilia topuria (red gloves) before the fight with Charles Oliveira (blue gloves) during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagen images)
Topuria said in a statement on Monday that he was facing threats of domestic violence.
“In the past months, I have been under a lot of pressure and unacceptable, including threats to spread false allegations of domestic abuse without financial needs,” said Topumandla. “These allegations are baseless. The truth is not a matter of opinion – it is a matter of evidence.
“All relevant evidence is carefully preserved and documented, including audio recordings, written communications, witness statements and video materials. This regime has been imported into judicial authorities for attempted torture, technical evidence and personal property.
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Giorgina Uzcatevisie Badertell looks on as her husband Ilia Topuria of Spain is interviewed during the UFC 317 event at the T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jeffttari / zuffa LLC)
Topuria said she initially decided to remain silent to protect her family’s privacy, but added that she could not allow “false narratives to take hold.”
“Many people have faced similar situations, and time will also clarify the facts,” he added. “Today, I am stepping forward for my family and myself, but also to show that no one should be forced to express violence in any form, and that my life and work have been guided by my discipline, respect and integrity.
“I fully trust the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on the evidence.”
Topuria said he would not make any further comments on the matter until the legal proceedings are underway.
FOX News Digital has reached out to Giorgina Uzcaveloi Badell for comment. The couple has two children together.
Ilia Topuuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at the Honda Center on February 17, 2024. (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports)
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TopuRia was No. 2 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound raving but it is unclear if he will return to fight.
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