The UFC released a statement to the press announcing that it will not allow coach James Krause, or fighters from his team, to compete in the Octagon following allegations of suspicious betting patterns involving a fight featuring one of his fighters.
Fighters Only received a statement from the UFC clarifying their position. It read:
“Following the fight involving Darrick Minner on November 5, 2022, 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.
“Weeks prior to the Minner fight, the organization sent formal notification to all fighters and members of their teams that they and certain other defined ‘insiders’ were prohibited from wagering on UFC events.
“This 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.
“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.”
A similar message was also sent to the UFC’s contracted fighters alerting them to the situation and highlighting the need to follow the stated code of conduct.
