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“Why’s This Taken So Long“: Delayed Release of Ex-UFC Fighter and MMA Coach, Who Made Dana White Introduce New Betting Rules After Getting Caught, Makes Fans Question the “Lazy” Promotion

Published 08/15/2023, 11:29 PM EDT

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The UFC has come under scrutiny again in a twist. This time, it revolves around the suspension and subsequent removal of a retired fighter from its roster. Surprisingly, this revelation came to light a year after rumors circulated about his alleged involvement in a betting scandal.

The incident has raised concerns, among MMA enthusiasts, who are now questioning the organization’s timeliness in responding to matters and the transparency of its actions.

UFC red flags MMA fighter over suspicious activity

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A tweet from the recognized ‘UFC Roster Watch’ account sparked a discussion about a forgotten subject. The account, known for its tracking of roster changes in the UFC, revealed that former fighter James Krause has been officially taken off the roster.

This surprising revelation left fans astonished considering that the betting scandal had come to light a year ago. The fighter’s associates also found themselves in hot water due to his involvement in the incident.

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MMA coach and ex-UFC fighter Krause reportedly acted as an agent for an offshore sportsbook. He also acknowledged being part of a sophisticated online betting group. This involvement prompted investigations into a UFC fight he coached, which was flagged for suspicious betting activity.

The repercussions have been significant, with Krause’s license suspended by NSAC and the UFC imposing a ban on fighters working with him. The revelation that this incident played a part in influencing new betting rules by UFC President Dana White left fans speculating about the true extent of the issue, and its implications for the sport’s integrity.

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A crucial point in the story is the featherweight bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke on Nov 6, 2022. Minner, who was trained by Krause, lost to Nuerdanbieke after lasting for only a little over a minute in the first round.

It was later revealed that Minner had an injury going into the fight, information that was previously unavailable. Suspicion arose when multiple sportsbooks reported increased bets on Nuerdanbieke to win by knockout or TKO. Krause had also previously shared information on his betting tendencies on the podcast ‘The MMA Hour’.

UFC Fans voice disbelief over betting issue and response

Fans shined a light on the UFC and its operational practices. Their tweets also highlighted the responsibility to swiftly address issues that could impact the sport’s integrity.

 

One tweet echoed a larger confusion amongst the fans.

While the wait for Krause’s removal left fans scratching their heads, it also ignited a wave of frustration.

 

The passage of time coupled with Krause’s retirement raises concerns about the organization’s decision-making process, inviting speculation about the factors influencing the situation.

 

The prolonged delay has given rise to suspicions about the motives behind the move. As conversations unfolded, fans couldn’t help but intertwine humor with skepticism.

Another tweet quipped, showcasing the irony:

One fan declared:

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As the MMA community goes through this phase in the history of the sport, the UFC faces the challenge of maintaining the trust of its fanbase. The delayed removal of James Krause from the roster and the introduction of betting rules have sparked discussions about responsibility, discipline, and finding a delicate balance, between preserving the integrity and dealing with controversies head-on.

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Written by:

Rajdeep Jayan

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Rajdeep Jayan is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. Rajdeep was inculcated into the world of combat sports through his love for Sylvester Stallone's iconic character, the 'Italian Stallion,' Rocky Balboa. His early obsession with the genre was recently rekindled by the debates he would engage in with his roommate during his college days.
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Edited by:

Sharan Nair