Former UFC fighter turned coach James Krause and anyone who chooses to train with him will be banned from the UFC for the time being after he was caught up in a potential betting scandal that’s also seen Darrick Minner be released from the promotion.
The dramatic development all stems from a fight between a fighter Krause coaches, Darrick Minner and Shayilan Neurdanbieke at UFC Fight Night 214 last month, where the odds unusually shifted from -220 to -420 in favor of Nuedanbieke to win in the first round, which then happened to become a reality, with Minner being TKO’d just 67 seconds into the fight, with the suggestion being that he may have gone into the bout compromised due to an injured leg.
That triggered an investigation into the irregular betting activity and Krause has become embroiled in it. The 36-year-old Krause has stated in the past that he regularly bets on UFC fights, including ones involving his own fighters, which includes the likes of Brandon Moreno, Grant Dawson, Tim Elliott, Megan Anderson and of course Darrick Minner too.
In fact, Krause has claimed that he actually makes more money from betting than anything else he does, and he even has his own Discord channel and podcast devoted to betting on fights, with people paying him monthly to get his latest betting tips.
It’s worth stressing though that the ban on Krause and any fighters that choose to train with him is only temporary at the moment while the investigation continues, and Minner was on a three-fight losing streak, so his release may have been on the cards regardless of this ongoing situation.
The UFC have issued a statement regarding the issue which you can read below.
“As per my communication to all athletes and mangers on October 17, 2022, the UFC Athlete Conduct Policy expressly prohibits UFC athletes from placing any wagers (directly or through a third party) on any UFC match, including placing wagers on themselves,” UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell wrote. “These same prohibitions against wagering also apply to an athlete’s coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, and other individuals affiliated with the athletes or with UFC.
“This communication was an extension of UFC’s pre-existing (and since updated) fighter Code of Conduct as well as a recognition of various state, federal, and international laws and regulations expressly prohibiting conduct that threatens the integrity of the sport including, but not limited to, insider betting based on non-public information, fight-fixing, and other such misconduct.
“Following a November 5 bout involving Darrick Minner, UFC was informed by sources that suspicious betting patterns had been observed on the fight. In the weeks following the fight, UFC has been cooperating with multiple ongoing government investigations into the facts and circumstances surrounding that contest. On November 18, the Nevada State Athletic Commission informed UFC and Minner’s coach, James Krause, that Krause’s license was suspended and would remain so while NSAC conducted an investigation into the matter.
“UFC has since advised Krause, and the respective managers working with impacted fighters, that effective immediately, fighters who choose to continue to be coached by Krause or who continue to train in his gym, will not be permitted to participate in UFC events pending the outcome of the aforementioned government investigations.
“Further, UFC has released Darrick Minner from the organization. Along with the safety and health of its fighters, UFC believes there is no more important component of professional mixed martial arts than the integrity of the sport. UFC will continue to take all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure compliance with and enforcement of its policies and those of the jurisdictions in which it operates.We appreciate your dedication to our sport and your efforts to ensure its integrity. If you have any questions about the UFC Athlete Conduct Policy, you may contact me.Please click here to review the full code of conduct, including prohibition on wagering.”
