Breaking: UFC amends Athlete Conduct Policy to ensure Ontario legalizes betting on fights

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is reinstating UFC gambling.

On Nov. 5, 2022, a featherweight bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke changed sports betting in MMA forever. A drastic last-minute line switch led to an investigation that has resulted in Minner being released, James Krause being banished, Jeff Molina being suspended indefinitely and UFC fighters being forbidden from betting on fights.

In the aftermath of Minner vs. Neurdanbieke, Ontario gambling officials decided to separate themselves by banning all UFC wagers. Since then, the UFC has recently updated its policies, leading to Ontario retracting its ban. Aaron Bronsteter shared the news on Twitter by saying:

“BREAKING: UFC wagering has been reinstated in Ontario following enhancements made to the UFC's Athlete Conduct Policy.”

The UFC updated its gambling policies by clearly stating that all fighters, trainers, and anyone associated are banned from betting on MMA fights. They also partnered with U.S. integrity to help ensure these types of scandals never happen again.

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The UFC is working with U.S. Integrity to improve MMA sports betting, leading to Ontario's reinstatement

U.S. Integrity uses its resources to improve the legitimacy of sports gambling without any suspicious behavior. Shortly after UFC Vegas 64, U.S. Integrity flagged the featherweight bout for suspicious betting activity. The UFC has now decided to partner with them to improve their operations. Marc Raimondi of ESPN broke the news on Twitter by saying:

“UFC has hired U.S. Integrity as its official betting integrity partner and will be making the language about gambling stricter in its athlete code of conduct amid the ongoing gambling investigations. More coming to ESPN.”

The UFC betting scandal technically started when James Krause appeared on The MMA Hour to discuss his coaching achievements and what’s next. During the interview, Krause mentioned how he makes a lot more money gambling and selling predictions than coaching.

Although Krause wasn’t questioned at the time, his words on The MMA Hour would later provide evidence for his illegal actions. The ongoing investigations have unveiled a serious issue in MMA: training partners and coaches being aware of fighters competing with severe injuries. They could then use that information to place bets on their opponents. Luckily, the UFC is taking the proper precautions to educate everyone on these illegal actions.