Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones isn’t the most upstanding fighter in MMA today. “Bones” has not only run into legal trouble outside of the cage throughout his career, but he’s also had multiple spats with banned substances and untimely picogram tests.
That said, Jones is one fighter that has certainly experienced it all (except an actual loss inside of the cage). The 31-year-old UFC champion has lived through more ups and downs than almost any other fighter in MMA ever, yet still commands a spot on the sport’s Mount Rushmore of all-time greats.
Because of this, Jones stands to have an impact on the sport more than some other well-known fighters. His outlook on certain aspects of the fight game should be closely followed, especially when it comes to handling money and keeping hungry managers in check.
Jones recently offered in-depth advice to aspiring young fighters dealing with these managers in a recent Instagram post (shown below):
In every sport the generations that come before teach the one on the way up the game. Fighting it’s a bit different because we are individuals in this business, but it shouldn’t stop us from reaching back to light the way.
I started this thing young and had some great people help me along the way, plus having 2 brothers in the league helped me see a whole different side of things. I want to help those making their way through and I’ll start with this: No manager should ever be getting 20% of your money.
I hear about and see too many young fighters getting stuck in bad deals. Real talk a manager should make 10%, maybe 15 if they are really getting it done for you, but never should you be paying a manager more than you pay Uncle Sam. NEVER.
If all your manager does is sit in while you sign contracts then start looking for another. If they want 15% let that come on the endorsements they get you because THAT is where their focus should always be. Growing your brand.
The game has given me a lot and it’s my job to give back to it. I haven’t always had the easiest navigation but good people helped me along the way. Just trying to pay some of that Back is all. God Bless
Like him or not, Jones offers good advice here.
Some fighters, especially those looking to make a quick splash in high-level promotions like UFC or Bellator MMA, don’t read between the lines when it comes to management and how their money is being handled. They’re too excited to make it to the big leagues to really care. Others pay close attention to this and they end up saving more money in the long run for a life after fighting.
So while Jones hasn’t been the best role model for young fighters looking to rise the ranks in professional MMA, his words do count for something. Managing payouts, sponsorships, and intricacies of big-dollar deals is one of the first things a professional fighter should learn about. Fortunately, a legendary fighter like Jon Jones is still hanging around to offer advice even when it’s not expected.
Jones, who successfully defended his UFC light heavyweight title against Anthony Smith at UFC 235 this past March, is scheduled to put his belt on the line again opposite red-hot Brazilian contender Thiago Santos at UFC 239 on July 6.