SOURCES TELL US: Saudi tycoon Turki Alalshikh "got involved" in the UFC's botched attempt to arrange a colossal clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, causing a heavyweight title unification bout to crumble. The showdown dreams shattered when Jones declared his retirement from the octagon, leaving fans gutted and the UFC in disarray.
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THE REAL STORY: Saudi Sheikh's Shocking Role...
We're told that the UFC went all out to set up the epic fight, even agreeing to Jones' jaw-dropping demand for "F**K YOU MONEY." But wait, there's more... Dana White and Co. faced a proper headache when Jones suddenly backtracked on the bout, leaving everyone reeling.
BOMBSHELL REVEALED: Billionaire's Power Play...
According to sources with direct knowledge, MMA guru Ariel Helwani spilled the tea on the UFC's reluctance to meet Jones' eye-watering payday plea until Saudi big shot Alalshikh threw his hat in the ring. The billionaire's intervention reportedly swayed the negotiations, with the cash finally hitting the £22 million mark. However, Jones pulled a U-turn faster than you can say "knackered" and left everyone in the lurch.
DRAMA UNFOLDS: Retirement Rumble...
Rumours are rife that Alalshikh's involvement was no surprise given his ties to the UFC's parent company, the TKO Group. Jones' shock retirement bombshell, dropping just as news broke of his recent run-in with the law, paved the way for Aspinall to become the undisputed heavyweight champ, much to the delight of fans across the pond.
THE AFTERMATH: Aspinall's Battle Cry...
Aspinall, now at the centre of the storm, vowed to reignite the division after Jones' prolonged reign. The lad from Wigan pledged to keep the title active, aiming to become the heavyweight kingpin and entertain fans proper. With a promise to defend his crown and give back to his supporters, Aspinall hinted at a new era for the UFC heavyweight scene.
We'll keep you posted... Stay tuned for more tea on this sizzling saga!
