Turki Alalshikh not only showed a face in Vegas – he walked straight into the UFC Performance Institute as he owned it. Terence “Bud” Crawford was in the middle of the sessions, work pillows and power drills, when the Saudi head cut through the gym.
The cut, which is streamed online, clearly shows it: Alalshikh barks at Crawford Mid-Workout and tells him ‘Deliver the work.’ Not encouragement – orders. Crawford, usually fast to speak his mind, just nods and keeps moving.
Listen the fighter when talking?
It is not a promoter -hype. It is a boss that determines terms. Alalshikh told Crawford that he is not done yet, that he should win better, and that retirement is not an option.
Fans online jumped on it. “Turki’s actions like Crawford work for him,” one wrote. Another added, “Bud nods as if he has a shift.”
Without Alalshikh’s wallet there is no Netflix stage, no super -middleweight jump, no Canelo shot.
Unbeaten inside, out of control: Crawford in Saudi’s grip
Crawford’s spotless at 41-0 with 31 COs, but it’s at 147. Now he jumps two divisions into the world of Canelo Alvarez. Canelo’s 63-2-2 with 39 coes and decided 168 without a scratch.
Crawford once said, “I fight for history, not money.” Yet he is here and takes orders from the man who signs the checks. If he pulls it out, he is a four-division champion. If he fails, he may be able to retire with Alalshikh who is still barking for more.
Crawford is used to being his own husband and calling his own shots. That Vegas Gymnasium scene overturned the screenplay: Turki Alalshikh showed it He is the one in charge. By telling Crawford “deliver the job” and brushing retirement talk aside, Alalshikh puts himself in the role of boss, not just supporter.
For Crawford, the trade -in is clear. He is waging the greatest struggle in his career, a chance to shock the world at 168 and close in his place among the greats. But it comes at a cost – control. If he wins, he will be remembered as one of the best box. If he loses, some people will say that he has paid and Saudi money has dictated his last chapter.
Last updated on 09/06/2025
