Darrick Minner, a former UFC competitor, has been suspended for 29 months by the Nevada Athletic Commission. This penalty comes after Minner did not report an injury before his 2022 fight. This failure to disclose the injury contributed to an investigation into suspicious betting patterns connected to his coach, James Krause.
Minner was initially suspended with Krause in December 2022. However, he made an agreement with the Nevada State Attorney General, which the commission approved during a meeting.
In addition to the suspension, the 34-year-old veteran must pay $235.56 for prosecution costs. Because his suspension is retroactive, he was eligible to return to fighting as of March 26.
The investigation into unusual betting activity began after Minner`s defeat by TKO in the first round against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Vegas 64 in November 2022. Concerns arose when betting odds for the fight changed dramatically just before it started, with Minner becoming a significant underdog before his quick loss in just 67 seconds.
Minner and Krause were both suspended at the start of the investigation. Several major sports betting companies even stopped accepting bets on UFC events because of the situation.
The UFC quickly severed ties with both Minner and Krause and cooperated with the investigation into the potential betting scandal.
Minner`s contract was terminated, and Krause was effectively banned from any involvement with the UFC. The UFC also warned that any fighters who continued to train with Krause would also be removed from the organization.
UFC officials stated in December 2022 that fighters who choose to continue being coached by Krause or training at his gym would not be allowed to participate in UFC events while government investigations were ongoing.
While Minner and his teammate Jeff Molina received punishments from the Nevada Athletic Commission, the larger betting irregularities issue was considered a criminal investigation. UFC CEO Dana White commented on the situation in December 2022.
White emphasized the serious consequences, stating that those involved could face federal prison if found guilty, and that the potential gains were not worth the risk of ruining their lives and going to federal prison.
It is still unknown if the criminal investigation will lead to any outcomes. For now, Minner is able to resume his fighting career after March 26, based on the suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission.
