Darrick Minner, a former UFC competitor, has been handed a 29-month suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission. This decision, announced on Tuesday, stems from Minner`s failure to disclose an injury before his 2022 fight. This omission triggered an investigation into potential betting irregularities connected to his coach, James Krause.
Minner`s initial suspension occurred in December 2022, alongside Krause. However, Minner reached an agreement with the Nevada State Attorney General. This agreement was then reviewed and approved by the commission during their regular monthly meeting.
In addition to the suspension, the 34-year-old veteran is required to pay $235.56 to cover prosecution expenses. However, because the suspension is retroactive, Minner became eligible to return to fighting on March 26.
The investigation into unusual betting patterns was launched following Minner`s defeat to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Vegas 64 in November 2022. Concerns arose when betting odds for the fight dramatically shifted just before it began. Minner, initially not a significant underdog, became heavily favored to lose shortly before the fight and ultimately lost via TKO in the first round, lasting only 67 seconds.
As the investigation commenced, both Minner and Krause were suspended. The situation was serious enough that several major sports betting platforms stopped accepting bets on UFC events.
The UFC reacted swiftly by severing ties with both Minner and Krause. They also pledged full cooperation with the investigation into the possible betting scandal.
Minner was released from his UFC contract, while Krause received a de facto ban from any involvement with the UFC. This ban included a warning that any fighter continuing to train with Krause or at his gym would also be removed from the promotion`s roster.
UFC officials stated in December 2022 that fighters who choose to remain coached by Krause or train at his gym would not be allowed to participate in UFC events pending the government investigations` outcomes. This advisory was communicated to Krause and the managers of affected fighters.
While Minner and his teammate Jeff Molina faced penalties from the Nevada Athletic Commission, the broader issue of betting irregularities was treated as a criminal investigation. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the potential consequences in December 2022.
White emphasized the severe risks involved, stating that those involved could face federal prison time, deeming the potential gains insignificant compared to the life-altering and criminal consequences.
Currently, it is unclear whether the criminal investigation will yield any outcomes. However, Minner is now eligible to resume his fighting career as of March 26, based on the Nevada Athletic Commission`s suspension.
