The UFC has introduced stricter gambling language as part of its fighter code of conduct while hiring sports wagering monitoring company U.S. Integrity, per a report from ESPN.
The development, which was announced this Thursday, comes as a result of various government agencies investigating a fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke on November 5 which is said to have “attracted suspicious betting patterns.”
ESPN is also reporting that the FBI has been interviewing people about the fight as part of an ongoing probe.
Hunter Campbell, UFC’s chief business officer, reached out to fighters and teams by means of a memo on Thursday noting that the company “expressly prohibits” fighters from making wagers on UFC bouts they are involved in, whether by themselves or through a proxy.
The new stipulations also prohibit “UFC Insiders,” which includes coaches, managers, handlers, trainers, and any other individuals affiliated with fighters or the UFC, from betting on fights.
Contravention of the new rules will see disciplinary action levied against defaulters, while fighters are obliged to report violations to UFC immediately should they have knowledge of any such infractions.