The FBI is now looking into the events that occurred at UFC Vegas 64. With their inclusion, the FBI joins the Nevada State Athletic Commission and U.S. Integrity’s probe of the Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs. Darrick Minner fight.
Minner’s trainer, James Krause, is at the center of these investigations for possible fight fixing and betting manipulation.
ESPN is now reporting that Jeff Molina, another fighter working with Krause’s Glory MMA, is now a person of interest. The UFC released and banned Minner and Krause in response to the allegations last month. That ban also reached out to others involved with the pair, which included Molina.
Molina’s suspension saw him removed from his upcoming fight with Jimmy Flick. Charles Johnson fills in for his spot on the January 14 Fight Night card.
FBI likely to focus on disgraced UFC trainer Krause
Hours before Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Nuerdanbieke on the Vegas 64 card, there was heavy movement on the betting lines favoring the eventual winner. Minner’s left leg was clearly compromised in the moments before the stoppage. Sportsbooks saw rapid movement on Nuerdanbike winning in the first round and the fight itself ending in less than 2.5 rounds.
Krause, who has not been shy about placing bets on fighters, would be the only other person besides Minner with intimate knowledge of his injury. Despite being released from the UFC soon after the allegations came to light, that suspension looks to be the tip of the iceberg. The extent of the FBI’s investigation isn’t known at this point, but it no doubt looks bad for Krause and his associates.
The Glory MMA gym is a large operation with several contenders and ex-champions under its banner. While many have severed ties with Krause, these allegations may continue to wreck havoc in the UFC.
It does suggest that the betting scandal might be further reaching than just a few isolated incidents. Though neither the UFC, FBI, or NSAC have commented further, it is likely the investigation will continue internally before any news is made public.
