Jon Jones Signs Seasoned Boxing Promoter Richard Schaefer to Aid in his Contract Negotiations with the UFC

Jon Jones took to social media and announced that ace boxing promoter Richard Schaefer had joined aboard his management team. Chiefly, ‘Bones’ revealed that Schaefer was to take up an advisory role as he attempted to make his heavyweight debut. The former light heavyweight champion has been at odds with the UFC brass over contract negotiations.

Richard Schaefer was in the finance sector before joining Oscar De Le Hoya in 2000 in his Golden Boy Promotions venture. The organization put forth a hard-hitting roster of fighters under their promotional banner that still stands to this day. However, Schaefer broke off from Golden Boy Promotions in 2014 to start his own venture in the realm of boxing.

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Jon Jones and the UFC brass: Are things set to finally smooth over?

Jon Jones has been looking to make a run at the heavyweight strap which is currently held by Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ beat Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 and fans have been chomping at the bit to have Jones fight Ngannou. However, securing the match-up has been next to impossible, and the UFC has temporarily moved on from Jones.

News recently broke that he was parting ways with long-time managing partners, Ibrahim and Malki Kawa. While the split was seemingly on good terms, the over-arching speculation was that both parties didn’t see eye-to-eye on the negotiations. Fans are interested to see how things will play out with a veteran like Schaefer on board.

UFC President Dana White has gone on record to say that he’s looking towards working with Richard Schaefer. Per Brett Okamoto, White revealed that he ‘liked and respected’ Schaefer and it seems like a positive sign for a deal to be made.

“I like Richard, I’ve known Richard for a long time and obviously, he built Golden Boy. He built that company. He knows what he’s doing, he’s a smart guy. I like and respect him and if we can get something done we will.”

All signs point towards things moving in the right direction for Jon Jones and his agenda of being the heavyweight champion. A new management backing his interest may very well be the recipe needed to secure the fights that the fans want to see.