UFC Champ Ilia Topuria sets record straight after misleading headline about personal situation. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has issued a detailed public statement pushing back against a recently published media headline that he says misrepresented his personal circumstances.
Topuria, who revealed in late 2025 that he would be stepping away from competition temporarily to deal with personal matter was recently the subject of a headline claiming he had been summoned to testify in a domestic violence case. That headline, originally published by Spanish outlet El Mundo, was later corrected after it was shown to be factually incorrect.
On Friday, Spanish news outlet wrote a story saying Topuria was summoned to court for alleged domestic abuse purposes, but then the headline was changed. Topuria released a statement on Saturday giving his side of the story.
Topuria also expressed gratitude for the generally respectful treatment he has received from much of the media over the years, and asked outlets to stick to substantiated facts.
“I have always felt deeply grateful for the respectful treatment I have received from the media, who have been — and continue to be — an important part of my journey throughout all these years.
“Unfortunately, and very much to my regret, I am currently in the news for matters that have nothing to do with sports.
In his statement, Topuria emphasized that he has never been called to court in connection with any domestic violence allegations. Instead, he explained that the judicial summons he received related to an administrative family matter concerning his daughter’s travel, and not abuse accusations.
“I understand that being a public figure means being exposed to fake news and misleading, sensationalist headlines designed solely to generate clicks, without regard for the truth or the consequences.“ Yesterday, a media outlet published a story with a false headline claiming that I had been summoned to testify in a domestic violence case. That headline later had to be changed because it was not true. I have never been summoned to testify for that reason, although I will of course do so willingly if ever required. The fact is that, due to how the judicial system works, I am required to go to that court, but the summons is solely related to a family and administrative matter concerning my daughter’s travel outside of Spain, whom I have been unable to see for four months despite numerous attempts.
“I accept the cost of public exposure, but that does not justify the spread of unverified false information, the distortion of facts, or the disclosure of matters involving a minor who deserves protection. The situation began with a divorce petition filed by me, following weeks of negotiations after our separation. After I refused to accept certain completely unreasonable financial demands, a complaint alleging abuse was filed weeks later — something I had previously been threatened with and which is now being reviewed by the courts.
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“I continue to place my trust in God, in justice, and in people. I know the truth will prevail, and that I will soon be able to recover one of the two most important things in my life, alongside my son Hugo: my daughter, Giorgina.
“All I ask of the media is the same respect and rigor that most of them have always shown me and that they stick to the facts, because the truth follows only one path.
“God bless you.”
Topuria, a double-champion hard-hitting titleholder addressed the toll that unfounded narratives can take on families especially when they involve minors. He noted the importance of protecting his children’s privacy while clarifying the situation.
The 28-year-old champion last competed in June 2025, when he secured the UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
Before that, he had already cemented his legacy at featherweight with major wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Ultimately, Topuria’s response serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with reporting on public figures, especially when personal and family matters are involved. While headlines may fade, reputations and real lives remain affected. As the UFC lightweight division waits for its champion’s return, Topuria has made it clear that his priority is setting the record straight and protecting those closest to him.
