Ex-UFC fighter Darrick Minner was suspended for 29 months by the Nevada Athletic Commission on Tuesday after he failed to report an injury prior to his fight in 2022 that eventually led to an investigation into betting irregularities involving his coach James Krause.
Minner was initially suspended alongside Krause back in December 2022, but he reached an adjudication agreement with the Nevada State Attorney General that was voted on and approved by the commission during a monthly meeting.
The 34-year-old veteran must also pay $235.56 in prosecution fees, but his suspension was made retroactive so he’s actually cleared to return to action as of March 26.
The investigation into betting irregularities started after Minner fought and lost to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke by first-round TKO at UFC Vegas 64 back in November 2022. Suspicions were raised after betting lines for the fight shifted dramatically just before the event kicked off with Minner becoming a massive underdog before ultimately losing the fight in just 67 seconds.
Minner and Krause were both suspended as the investigation began with several prominent sportsbooks actually refusing to take wagers on the UFC as a result.
The UFC moved swiftly to cut ties with Minner and Krause while also cooperating with the investigation into the potential betting scandal.
Minner was released from his contract while Krause was effectively banned from having any association whatsoever with the UFC, which included a warning that any fighter who continued working with the coach and former fighter would also be removed from the promotion.
“UFC has since advised Krause and the respective managers working with impacted fighters, that effective immediately, fighters who choose to continue to be coached by Krause or who continue to train in his gym, will not be permitted to participate in UFC events pending the outcome of the aforementioned government investigations,” UFC officials stated in December 2022.
While Minner and his teammate Jeff Molina both faced punishments from the Nevada Athletic Commission, the larger issue with betting irregularities was actually considered a criminal investigation. UFC CEO Dana White spoke about the fallout back in December 2022.
“Do you know what the outcome of this is?” White said. “If I penalize them, they’re going to get cut. They’re going to go f*cking Federal prison — Federal f*cking prison. If you’re that stupid and somebody else wants to do it, knock yourself out. There’s not enough money in it to ruin your life and not go to jail, go to Federal prison.”
It remains to be seen if the criminal investigation produces any results, but for now, Minner is clear to resume his career after March 26 based on the suspension handed down by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
