UFC Suspends Fighters Linked to Coach Amid Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events following a Nov. 5 fight, the UFC has released Darrick Minner and suspended all fighters connected to coach James Krause, due to ongoing betting investigations. Minner faced Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, who quickly finished him in the first round. The fight’s betting lines shifted significantly when rumors circulated that Minner had entered the bout with a knee injury, which he did not disclose to the Nevada Athletic Commission.
This incident raised alarms among legal betting outlets as heavy money flowed in on Nuerdanbieke once the injury news became public. The Nevada commission responded by suspending Krause’s corner license, preventing him from coaching fighter Miles Johns just before the latter’s scheduled bout. Krause has publicly expressed his interest in betting and placed wagers on fights.
The situation escalated further when Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission banned betting on UFC fights, citing non-compliance with integrity requirements. The UFC subsequently announced that any fighters affiliated with Krause or his Glory MMA gym in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, will not compete until government investigations conclude.
Notably, Minner, who had lost three consecutive fights and had a record of 2-4 in the UFC, faced backlash for not revealing his injury. The fallout poses challenges for fighters like interim flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, who trains with Krause and must find a new gym in light of his upcoming title fight against Deiveson Figueiredo.
The UFC recently updated its code of conduct policy, prohibiting fighters and their coaches from betting on UFC fights, although they may still wager on other MMA events. Krause, once a successful fighter himself, has not faced direct accusations of cheating, but the knowledge of injuries gives bettors a notable advantage.
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