Jon Jones takes on Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer

We may have our first piece of good news in regards to a future super-fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.

After parting ways with First Round Management earlier this year, Jon Jones has revealed Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer as his new business advisor. Jones left his management team to give himself the freedom to handle his own negotiations but seems to have instead opted to recruit Schaefer. In a statement Wednesday, Jones said:

“I have retained Richard Schaefer as my advisor. Richard has been in the combat space for over 20 years and has put together some of the biggest global pay-per-view events over that period. The likes of Mayweather, de la Hoya, Canelo, Hopkins, Barrera, and Marquez have headlined the exciting events that Richard has promoted and produced. His knowledge and experience of the pay-per-view industry and combat sports are second to none. I am excited to embark on this next chapter of my career as I continue to cement my place in history as one of the greats with Richard as my advisor. I can’t wait to give my fans and the sport the fights they want to see.”

Surprisingly, upon hearing the news UFC President Dana White reacted positively stating he ”likes and respects” Schaefer:

“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,”

It’s not yet known whether the recruitment of Richard Schaefer will have any effect on Jones desire for higher pay, the reason in which the Ngannou super-fight didn’t materialise. One thing is however for certain and that is Schaefer is determined to get the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion the fights he and the fans want to see. In a statement, Richard Schaefer told media:

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to work with such an amazing athlete and person like Jon Jones. Jon is the gold standard of UFC and one of the greatest athletes to ever dominate his or her sport … I am looking forward to sitting down with (UFC president) Dana White and his team on behalf of Jon to put together the fights the fans want to see.”

Will Richard Schaefer and Dana White reach a deal for Jones vs Ngannou? When will Jones’ return? Let us know in the comments section!