The drama surrounding UFC champion Ilia Topuria has taken a troubling turn after his ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui, filed official complaints with Spanish police regarding online harassment that followed public commentary about a fabricated image.
According to police documentation obtained by Spanish publication LOC, Uzcategui has named popular podcaster Joe Rogan in her complaints about the online harassment she received after he discussed what appeared to be a compromising photograph on his widely-viewed program, The Joe Rogan Experience.
The image in question, which circulated online and was treated as authentic by Rogan and others, purportedly showed Uzcategui with a rapper. During a December episode featuring guest Derek from More Plates More Dates, Rogan made harsh statements about the UFC champion’s ex-wife based on what he believed were genuine photographs.
“This is the mother of your children and this lady is a monster,” Rogan stated during the podcast discussion.
The conversation expanded into commentary about relationship breakdowns and public reputation. “You hooked up with a guy who is an incredibly special human being. The rarest of rare. Not just a UFC world champion, but a two division world champion superstar who the whole world wants to see and you’re his wife. So you’re like, ‘Oh, look at me. I’m married to the baddest motherf**ker alive.’ And then he doesn’t want to be with you anymore. Like, ‘Oh, really? Well, I’m going to f**king take you down,'” Rogan said.
However, the photograph was entirely fabricated. The original image from 2023 showed Uzcategui posing with her own brother. Someone had digitally altered the picture, replacing her brother’s face with that of a rapper, creating false evidence of infidelity.
Despite the manipulated nature of the image, the damage was done. Uzcategui filed complaints with the Guardia Civil in Boadilla del Monte on multiple occasions in December, documenting threatening messages she received through social media following both Rogan’s commentary and a public statement from Topuria himself.
In her police reports, Uzcategui specifically referenced the podcast host’s role in amplifying the false narrative. The complaints detail how the misinformation spread rapidly after Rogan’s program aired, leading to an avalanche of hostile messages from his millions of followers.
The situation escalated after Topuria issued his own statement on December 15, in which he claimed he had endured “intolerable pressures” and threats to spread “unfounded accusations” that would only disappear in exchange for money.
The UFC champion stated he had documentation including audio recordings, messages, testimonials, and videos to support his position.
What Topuria did not mention in his public statement was that Uzcategui had already filed a formal complaint against him on November 18 at the Court of First Instance in Móstoles. The complaint, filed with a court specializing in cases involving domestic matters, accuses Topuria of domestic and gender-based offenses.
Court documents indicate that Topuria has been summoned to appear on January 7 before the Court of Violence Against Women No. 1 in Móstoles. This hearing will address protective measures concerning the couple’s 18-month-old daughter, including Uzcategui’s request for authorization to travel to the United States with the child.
Following her initial complaint, Uzcategui was referred to the Regional Observatory on Gender Violence in Boadilla del Monte for evaluation. After assessment by social workers determined she was in a situation of risk and vulnerability, she was enrolled in ATENPRO, a protection program managed by the Spanish Red Cross. On December 1, she received an emergency phone for crisis calls, and comprehensive protection measures were activated.
The legal proceedings have taken place against the backdrop of an ongoing civil separation process between the couple. Sources close to Topuria maintain that he initiated the separation proceedings months ago and that he possesses evidence supporting his claims of attempted extortion. Those in his circle describe the accusations against him as baseless.
Meanwhile, those close to Uzcategui insist she initiated the separation and that she has substantial evidence supporting her position. They state she is seeking a fair arrangement for their daughter’s wellbeing.
The controversy has generated international attention, partially due to the involvement of high-profile commentators like Rogan. In her December 22 complaint to the Family and Women Unit of the National Police, Uzcategui again referenced the cascading harassment that followed public statements about her situation.
She specifically disputed claims in Topuria’s statement that she had threatened to spread accusations unless paid, stating in her declaration that “this is not true.”
Police offered Uzcategui enrollment in the VioGen protocol for protecting those experiencing gender-based situations, which she declined, presumably because she was already enrolled in the ATENPRO program. She also declined placement in a shelter facility. She currently resides in the family home with her daughter and her 70-year-old grandmother.
On December 30, Uzcategui returned to the Guardia Civil to expand her complaint about online harassment and threats. She submitted medical documentation from an emergency room visit for anxiety.
The couple met four years ago at a gathering of friends. They married shortly afterward, and their daughter was born in 2024. According to those familiar with Uzcategui, she relocated to Spain to support Topuria during a pivotal period of his athletic career.
The case remains under judicial review, with both parties and their legal representatives declining to make additional public statements.
