Recently, Ilia Topuria addressed the media after false reports about his court hearing began circulating online. A Spanish outlet, El Mundo, ran a story claiming that ‘El Matador’ testified in connection with an alleged crime, which later turned out to be inaccurate. The lightweight champion took to social media to clear the air. However, the clarification raised another question. What was the court hearing actually about? It turned out the legal matter involved Topuria’s daughter.

Reports revealed that the Georgian Spaniard’s one-and-a-half-year-old daughter has been living with her mother amid an ongoing legal dispute. It also emerged that Topuria’s ex-partner sought permission to travel to the United States with their child. Due to this family administrative issue, authorities held the court hearing at Mostoles. While updating the situation, Topuria reassured the media and fans, stating that he expects to reunite with his daughter very soon.

“I’m very calm. I’m not stressed at all. I’m going to see my little girl very soon. So, I’m not stressed at all. I’m very calm, so please if you’ll let me through. My priority is my daughter, my children, and my family,” the 28-year-old told the media while attending the court hearing as per Europa Press. 

Furthermore, the Spanish outlet revealed that Ilia Topuria has not interacted with his daughter, Giorgina, who is named after her mother, for the past four months. That said, while updates have emerged, authorities have yet to deliver an official verdict on their daughter’s custody. 

Now, as ‘El Matador’s legal fallout with Giorgina Uzcategui Badell grows more intense, his return to the Octagon could face further delays. Fans may have to wait a little longer to see the Georgian Spaniard back in action, but his bitter rival already appears to be showing some concern. 

Paddy Pimblett fears Tom Aspinall treatment amid Ilia Topuria’s hiatus

Before these legal issues escalated, ‘El Matador’ publicly announced that he would not fight during the first quarter of 2026. According to the lightweight champion’s timeline, he planned to stay out until March. However, with Topuria’s legal dispute still unfolding, his bitter rival Paddy Pimblett believes the Georgian Spaniard could remain sidelined for a long stretch without vacating the belt. That scenario could once again create a situation similar to what unfolded between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

“If he’s going to sit out that long, I would rather he just vacate and stop holding the division up. But I do want to fight him, so it’s a catch-22. I want to beat Ilia up and show everyone I can beat him. But at the same time, if he’s going to have me waiting like Tom was waiting for Jon, then no. Just vacate and let the division crack on,” ‘The Baddy’ said on Tom Aspinall’s YouTube channel during an interview.

Now, with visible movement in Ilia Topuria’s legal situation, many expect him to make his comeback once the matter reaches a conclusion. Until then, it will be interesting to see how the UFC approaches matchmaking in the lightweight division. Currently, the Liverpudlian is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, and the division should begin to move forward at 155 pounds after that fight. Still, if ‘The Baddy’ captures the interim belt, the UFC would have a blockbuster matchup to consider amid the champion’s absence.

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With the growing rivalry between Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett, the promotion could shift focus in that direction if ‘El Matador’ takes additional time to sort out his personal life. That said, what do you think Ilia Topuria’s future holds, both personally and professionally? Let us know in the comments section below.