Former MMA fighter and current trainer James Krause was not allowed to corner Miles Johns this past Saturday due to an ongoing investigation regarding potential gambling issues.
A fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke on November 5th is being investigated due to suspicious wagering. Per an ESPN report, Minner was injured but did not disclose it. Subsequently, Neurdanbieke’s odds to win the fight moved dramatically hours before the fight. Minner in fact was injured and Neurdanbieke was able to secure the first round stoppage.
In October, the UFC issued a statement which prevented fighters and their teams from wagering on fights. With the promotion partnering with companies in the gambling industry, one might assume that there needs to be an appearance of impartiality in the sport. Moreover, insider information would lead to fight fixing and corruption within the sport.
While the UFC actively promotes gambling on its broadcasts with reminders of the betting lines and now commercials by the likes of DraftKings, it does not want insider information to skew lines.
Krause, Minner’s trainer, is under scrutiny due to the fact that he would have information about any injuries suffered by his fighter. Krause does host a gambling podcast which may lead one to believe he might have an interest in betting on fights, even ones involving his own fighters. Therefore, he is center of the investigation and not having him in Johns’ corner may be a sign that the Nevada Athletic Commission and/or the UFC may be taking action. Of course, there has not been an official suspension of Krause.
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