Featured Image Credit: The Ariel Helwani Show
Topics: Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, UFC, Ariel Helwani
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, UFC, Ariel Helwani
UFC have 'leaked' a major Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall update as Ariel Helwani has spotted an 'unprecedented' move.
The UFC are still working on a monstrous showdown between champion Jones and interim title holder Aspinall.
Talks seemingly stalled as 'Bones' appeared to call time on his legendary career before making a stunning U-turn.
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The Brit, however, insists Jones is retired as he looks to return to action, bemoaning his inactivity, having not fought since UFC 304 in Manchester last July.
Speaking to UFC legends Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen on ESPN MMA's 'Good Guy, Bad Guy', Aspinall said: "Nah man, Jon is retired. What are you talking about guys?"
He added: "You guys don't follow Jon on social media? Me too [I don't follow him]. But the guy is living his best life. He's had a fantastic career, we all know.
"We know Jon's a religious man, so I want to say God bless him moving forward in what he does in his life and his career.
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"We move on. I'm the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I'm ready to take on all comers, get this division moving again
"Us guys have been waiting around too long, the contenders are getting sick of it, everybody is getting sick of it, even the fans are getting sick of this stuff.
"So, Jon's retired and it's time that we move on."
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Curiously, UFC shared Aspinall's interview with Cormier and Sonnen on their official YouTube page.
The promotion have never uploaded any content from 'Good Guy, Bad Guy', which alerted combat sports reporter Helwani, who says 'there's something there'.
He said: "I thought this was very significant because here's the UFC... and I thought it was one of those fake UFC YouTube channels just like repurposing things.
"They're pushing the retired gimmick. They're pushing the undisputed gimmick. That doesn't happen often. This might be a sign finally from the heavens."
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Helwani added: "I will say I think it's significant that the UFC is pushing this. They don't usually take interviews unless I've missed it. And so perhaps this is a sign to your point... what's the sign? Is the sign that they're trying to pressure him. I don't know. Is the sign that they are trying to tell us something? I don't know.
"I think we are going to find out soon. I just thought it was significant that they actually reposted this and went with the 'he's retired'."