While the fate of James Krause is still up in the air, two other fighters involved in a betting scandal that blindsided the UFC a couple of years ago have learned their own fate.
Darrick Minner, who fell to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in just over a minute at UFC Vegas 64 in November of 2022, arguably set off a powder keg by failing to disclose a knee injury ahead of the fight. Then, hours out from the bout, massive amounts of money shifted to his opponent — arguably the result of his coach, Krause, who had gone on record both selling gambling tips, and stating that he made more as a gambler than as a coach and fighter.
As it turned out, Krause was also employed by an off-short sportsbook.
Not surprisingly, the shift in bets was detected, and several jurisdictions stopped taking bets on UFC fights while multiple bodies, including U.S. Integrity and the FBI, investigated.
That led to the UFC updating its policy regarding gambling by its fighters, after previously being somewhat lenient on the subject (while fighters could not bet on themselves, historically they were able to bet on the outcome of other bouts).
During Tuesday’s monthly Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting, Minner and another Krause fighter, Jeff Molina, learned their fate. Minner has been handed a 29-month suspension, backdated, and fined $235.56 in fees, per a report by MMA Junkie. As a result, his suspension ends one day after the hearing. In the case of Minner, the commission took issue primarily with his failure to disclose the injury on pre-fight medical forms.
Minner was cut by the promotion following the loss, his third straight. It does not appear, however, that he placed any money on the bout.
Molina, who wasn’t involved in the fight, actually received a harsher penalty. The NSAC suspended the flyweight in January of 2023, citing his involvement in Krause’s betting operation. As it turns out, Molina both knew of Minner’s injury, failed to report it, and instead placed a large wager on the fight. He had also been assisting in Krause’s betting scheme.
“Having direct knowledge of a serious injury sustained by a fellow fighter, Darrick Minner, Molina failed to inform the commission of the serious injury, violation of NAC 467.885, and instead of informing the commission, additionally placed a significant bet with a gaming entity on Minner’s fight,” attorney general representative Matthew Feely stated on Tuesday.
Per the commission, Molina admitted to the violation in a statement that was not read on the record, while providing explanation for his actions.
Following the incident, the UFC barred fighters training under James Krause, then head coach at Glory MMA and Fitness, from competing under its banner. That led many to train elsewhere; Krause eventually sold his stake in the gym. The coach was also suspended by the NSAC, with his fate is yet to be determined.
