Commentator Jon Anik has been with the UFC commentary team for a long time. His rise to become the number 1 play-by-play commentator in the UFC was meteoric. Anik is not just an MMA fan but also a fan of other sports, as evidenced by his betting routines. He recently revealed his plans after retirement.
Anik was a recent guest on the Show me The Money podcast. On the podcast, Anik revealed he had been betting for a long time, particularly in the NFL. However, since the UFC has banned betting for its personnel, Anik has no option to bet in the UFC. Nonetheless, it is something Anik has plans to do.
I would say I can’t wait to retire and bet on the UFC. I promise you, the day after I retire, I will be betting on the UFC recklessly and probably at a deficit.
Jon Anik via Show me The Money podcast
Nonetheless, Anik revealed his twin brother Jason has bet on UFC events. He also revealed he has not suffered losses despite being a regular bettor on MLB and the NFL. Anik cited that his conservative fatherโs influence prohibited him from reckless betting.
Renato Moicano, co-host of the podcast, also revealed he would do the same. Interestingly, Anik cited gambling as genetic, citing his grandfather sneaking him into casinos during his youth. However, Anik admitted he was bad with Blackjack and other casino games.
James Krause scandal prohibited UFC personnel from MMA betting
UFC CEO Dana White is a notorious gambler. He has won big and lost big in the casinos. Due to his high-stakes gambling, several casinos have banned him. White once shocked Joe Rogan with his gambling proclivities. Nevertheless, the UFC has disallowed MMA betting for their personnel, fighters, teammates, and family.
It was not the case before, but a scandal arose due to tainted MMA coach James Krause. The former owner and coach at Glory MMA in Kansas City had a good stable of fighters under him. However, he was very open about sports betting, even against his fighters. Moreover, Krause allegedly provided inside information to offshore sportsbookers, a federal offense in the USA.
The authorities became suspicious of Krause due to suspicious betting activity during the fight between Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and Darrick Minner, one of Krauseโs fighters. Minner allegedly had an injury going into the fight, and Krause provided inside information to bet against Minner. Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Krause and disallowed some of Krauseโs fighters from competing, pending investigation.
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