UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria says he is the target of an extortion attempt involving false allegations of domestic abuse and has temporarily stepped away from competition while the matter is addressed.

Topuria issued a public statement addressing the allegations after confirming he would not compete in the early part of 2026, a development that led the UFC to move forward with an interim lightweight title fight in his absence.

“My initial decision to remain silent was made solely to protect my children, who are the most important part of my life,” Topuria said, in a post to social media. “However, I have come to understand that silence, under these circumstances, does not protect the truth. It allows false narratives to take hold.”

Topuria said he has faced “severe and unacceptable pressure, including threats to disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met,” and described the claims as “entirely unfounded.” He added that he has retained evidence including audio recordings and written communications, which he said have been submitted to judicial authorities “to pursue legal action for attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds and personal property, and multiple threats.”

The champion said he would not make further public statements on the issue, stating that this decision was made “out of respect for my children and the ongoing legal proceedings,” and asked that speculation be avoided as the legal process continues.

Topuria, who remains unbeaten as a professional and has held UFC titles in multiple weight classes, last competed in June 2025. His temporary absence has resulted in the promotion scheduling an interim championship bout at lightweight.

Concluding his statement, Topuria said that those close to him “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,” adding, “The truth does not require volume — it requires facts.”