UFC star Ilia Topuria has revealed that he stepped away from the cage amid alleged extortion plot against him. 

Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship back in June, improving to 17-0 in his career. However, fans were left stunned when he wasn't slated for the main event for an interim lightweight title on the UFC 324. 

But it has now been revealed that Topuria is taking time away from fighting as he grapples with serious personal matters. 

The 28-year-old shared on Monday that he has 'made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title' as he faces an extortion plot. 

The fighter claimed that he has received threats to leak fake domestic violence claims unless financial demands were met.

'This was not a decision I took lightly,' Topuria said in a statement on social media. 'However, when circumstances arise that threaten your personal integrity, your family, and your reputation, there comes a point when you must address them directly.' 

He added: '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.'

'I have full confidence in the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on evidence.' 

Topuria's bombshell claim comes amid weeks of speculation of marriage troubles with his wife Giorgina.

The couple share two children; a son, Hugo, born in 2019, and a daughter, Giorginita, born in 2024. 

However, Topuria did not levy his accusations of extortion against Giorgina personally, nor did he name her in his statement. 

The two-division champion explained that he had chosen to stay quiet until now in order to protect the privacy of his children. 

However, he changed his mind, citing that silence 'allows false narratives to take hold.' 

Topuria first announced his shock hiatus from the UFC last month when he explained that he will not fight in the first quarter of 2026.

Claims of a breakdown in his marriage and impending divorce have been widely reported in recent weeks, alongside growing uncertainty surrounding his next lightweight title defense.

He confirmed his position in a statement on social media in late November, removing any doubt over his immediate future in the sport.

'I won't be fighting in the first quarter of next year,' Topuria wrote on X. 'I'm going through a difficult moment in my personal life. I want to focus on my children and resolve this situation as soon as possible.

'I don't want to hold up the division. The UFC will make the matchups needed, and as soon as the matters are resolved, I'll let the UFC know I'm ready to begin my return.'

Topuria last competed in June, when he knocked out Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the lightweight title, extending his unbeaten record and becoming a two-division champion after previously holding the featherweight belt.