UFC titleholder IIia Topuria left the sport in November to fight what he called an “extortion attempt.”
Published December 16, 2025
Undefeated UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has explained her withdrawal from the UFC 324 title fight, insisting she will return to the cage at the appropriate time as she deals with extortion charges.
“Over the past few weeks, I made the difficult decision to temporarily step back from defending my title. This was not a decision I made lightly. However, when situations arise that threaten a person’s integrity, family, and reputation, there comes a time when they must be addressed directly,” Topuria said in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday.
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Topuria (17-0) is not on the UFC 324 card. An interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will headline the event on January 24th in Paradise, Nevada.
The 28-year-old Georgian had already denied that he was forced to leave his title defense due to injury. On Monday, Topria said he wanted to address rumors and speculation regarding his absence from the sport since November.
“In recent months, I have been subjected to severe and unacceptable pressure, including threats to spread false allegations of domestic violence if my financial demands were not met. These allegations are completely baseless. The truth is not a matter of opinion, but of evidence. All relevant evidence, including face-to-face communications, witness statements, and video material, has been carefully preserved and documented. This evidence has been submitted to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for legal action against attempted extortion, tampering with evidence, misappropriation of funds and personal property, and multiple threats.”
Topria won the belt with a knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 and has since defended it with two knockout victories.
His most recent fight was a knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, making him the first undefeated two-division champion in UFC history.
