Outside Source
Late last year, “El Matador” revealed that he would be taking a hiatus from the UFC for personal reasons. He later elaborated that his absence was necessitated by what he called “false allegations of domestic abuse.”
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More recently, Spanish outlet El Mundo published a story claiming that Topuria had been summoned to court in Spain due to domestic violence allegations. The UFC lightweight champ took to social media to dispute the initial report, which has since been corrected.
Read Topuria’s Full Statement:
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.
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.
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.
After a short reign as featherweight champion, Topuria captued 155-pound gold in his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 317 this past June. With a return date unclear, the promotion has booked an interim lightweight championship bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to headline UFC 324 on Jan. 24.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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