UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria issued a public statement on social media Monday morning – alleging that he is being extorted through what he described as “entirely unfounded” accusations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met.
The statement comes less than a month after Topuria announced that he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026, citing the need to focus on what he called “a difficult moment in my personal life”.
His latest message provided further context while emphasizing that his initial silence was intentional:
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.
Topuria stated that he plans to limit further public commentary on the matter while legal proceedings are ongoing.
He added that he would not make any additional statements “out of respect for my children and the ongoing legal proceedings”.
Read the full statement on his social media post below:
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