Bryce Mitchell Fires Back at Ilia Topuria Over Domestic Abuse Allegations
Bryce Mitchell, the UFC lightweight champion, recently made headlines when he announced that he would be stepping back from competition due to extortion attempts involving false domestic abuse allegations. In a video posted on Instagram in December 2025, Mitchell addressed the situation and directed his comments at Ilia Topuria, a fellow UFC fighter. Mitchell and Topuria have a history, having fought at UFC 282 in December 2022, where Topuria emerged victorious via arm-triangle choke in the second round.
Following the fight, Topuria mocked Mitchell by wearing overalls, a reference to Mitchell’s farm background in Arkansas. Mitchell brought up this moment in his December 2025 video, saying: “Remember when I faced Ilia, he came out on top, and afterward, he donned a pair of overalls to poke fun at me because I work on a farm and wear overalls?” Mitchell’s comments were not limited to their past encounter, as he also leveled serious accusations at Topuria, calling him a “coward” and stating, “That coward puts his hands on a woman.”
Mitchell’s remarks were deeply personal, as he explained that he grew up without a father and would have preferred never meeting him rather than seeing him hit his mother. He then turned his attention to Topuria’s parenting, saying, “You don’t deserve to see your child, man, because you laid hands on their mother.” Mitchell also addressed what he viewed as Topuria’s pattern of marriages, saying: “Wives aren’t like belts; it’s not about collecting more. You’re meant to have one man and one woman become one. Yet here you are, working on your third wife, thinking they’re trophies to be won.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 28: (L-R) Ilia Topuria of Spain strikes Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Mitchell incorporated religious messaging into his critique, urging Topuria to “seek forgiveness, turn to Jesus Christ” and stating that those who abuse women “end up” in hell. He also suggested that Topuria might struggle with alcohol, telling him to “reconsider your drinking habits.” Topuria has maintained his innocence, describing the allegations as completely false and stating that he has submitted audio recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material to authorities as part of an extortion investigation.
Topuria did not specifically address Mitchell’s comments but requested that people “refrain from speculation” about the situation. The incident has sparked a heated debate in the UFC community, with many fans and fighters weighing in on the situation. As the investigation into the allegations continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences Topuria may face if the allegations are proven to be true.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Bryce Mitchell is seen on stage during the UFC 314 press conference at Michelob ULTRA Arena on March 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Conclusion
The situation between Bryce Mitchell and Ilia Topuria has sparked a heated debate in the UFC community, with many fans and fighters weighing in on the situation. As the investigation into the allegations continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what consequences Topuria may face if the allegations are proven to be true. One thing is certain, however: the UFC community will be watching the situation closely, and the outcome will have significant implications for the sport as a whole.
References
This article is based on reports from various sources, including ESPN, UFC, and other reputable outlets. The information presented is accurate to the best of our knowledge and is subject to change as more information becomes available.
