UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UFC star Ilia Topuria reveals why he will step away from competition until at least mid-2026, citing serious personal matter requiring his full attention.
Topuria improved to 17-0 overall and 9-0 since joining the UFC after defeating Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship back in June. According to Dana White, Topuria will continue to be the winner as he works through the ambiguity of his circumstances.
“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,”
Topuria said.
“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.”
Topuria claimed in a statement on Monday that he was threatened with false allegations of domestic abuse.
In order to preserve his family’s privacy, Topuria first chose to keep quiet, but he later stated that he couldn’t let any more “false narratives take hold.”
“Many individuals have faced similar situations, and time and again the legal system has ultimately clarified the facts,“
he added.
“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.
I have full confidence in the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on evidence.”
Topuria declared that he would hold off on commenting on the issue until the court case was resolved.
A request for comment has been sent to Giorgina Uzcategui Badell. Together, the couple has two kids.
Topuria ranked second in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, but it’s unknown when he’ll return to the ring.
How will Topuria stepping away affect pound for pound rankings?
Ilia Topuria’s hiatus through mid-2026, amid his particular legal issues, will probably beget him to drop from the top of UFC pound- for- pound rankings, where he presently sits at No. 2 behind Islam Makhachev. Inactivity generally leads to rapid-fire declines in P4P lists, as rankings prioritize wins over opponents.
Islam Makhachev could solidify No. 1 with a strong defense, while active contenders like Merab Dvalishvili, Alexandre Pantoja, or Belal Muhammad rise into the top 5. Topuria’s previous knockouts of Volkanovski, Holloway, and Oliveira elevated him, but 6 months out pitfalls a fall to 5- 10 if no interim exertion occurs.
Fighters like Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya have slipped 3- 5 spots during extended breaks, per UFC/ ESPN updates. Topuria retains his featherlight title per Dana White, but an interim belt( e.g., Gaethje vs. Pimblett) dilutes his standing without defenses.
