Scott Coker Explains Bellator’s Stance On James Krause And Betting Scandals

Bellator president Scott Coker explains where the organizations stands on the status of James Krause and the investigation into his betting.

Scott Coker
Credit MMA Fighting on YouTube

Bellator will be looking into the betting scandal situation surrounding James Krause according to Scott Coker.

Stemming from questionable betting practices surrounding a Nov. 5 UFC fight, the world of MMA betting has been turned on its head. At the center of this scandal has been former UFC fighter turned coach of Glory MMA and Fitness, James Krause. Krause has since been suspended from multiple MMA organizations including the UFC and in turn, has been forced to sell his gym. No fighter actively training with Krause may compete in the UFC at this time and it seems other fight promotions are following suit. 

Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA has addressed his promotion’s stance on this issue in a post-event press conference with members of the media. 

Scott Coker gives his opinion on James Krause and the betting scandal

Coker seems to be following in the path of other promotions by not allowing Krause to be involved in the coaching or cornering of Bellator fighters he addressed this issue at Friday night’s event. 

“I mean, that’s to me, totally unacceptable. Everybody has to put their foot down. And I do know that the legal department is taking a look at what’s going on right now,” he said. “And they’ll come out with, what they feel is maybe some changes that we might have to make. But that kind of behavior is just not acceptable, because it can ruin a lot of good things. You know, for a lot of people that work a lot of years to get to a certain point.  It really just can’t happen to this sport, it is just unacceptable.”

Coker went on to address Krause being on hand at events and if Bellator will take the steps to formally ban him as the UFC did.

“The thing about cornering a fighter, you know, that’s something you’d have to ask Mike Mazzulli about, is he going to allow the guy to get a license because every cormerman, every fighter, every referee, every judge, any official in this building, has to be licensed by the state,” he said. “So if the state licenses him, then I’d have to talk to illegal internally, but I think these individuals are gonna have a hard time getting licensed in different states until the investigation is complete.”

There are many professional fighters in both the UFC and Bellator that have trained under Krause for many years. He was one of the top trainers for a long time and now that he is selling his gym, these fighters may be able to continue their training without risk of suspension or repercussions. Krause has not released a statement on his allegations at this time. 

Published on December 10, 2022 at 11:12 am
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