James Krause

James Krause is a welterweight submission specialist and BJJ black belt who competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2020 with a 28-9 record, building his reputation as a patient, technical grappler rather than a knockout artist. He came up through regional promotions and smaller organizations before earning his octagon shot in June 2013 as a late replacement against Sam Stout. That debut was electric: Krause submitted Stout with a guillotine choke in the third round and earned both Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night bonuses, immediately signaling that he was a dangerous all-rounder capable of winning on the mat or standing up. Over seven years in the UFC, he notched wins over several notable opponents and earned a Performance of the Night bonus for a round-three knockout of Sergio Moraes in 2019, showcasing the range of his skillset. He was never quite elite enough to reach title contention, but remained a reliable middling welterweight who could steal rounds and create submission threats.

Krause's style was one of technical patience and grappling acumen. With 14 submission wins in his 28 victories, he was a genuine threat off his back and in top position, particularly with his guillotine choke. His striking was solid rather than flashy: a well-developed jab and sound defense, but not the kind of knockout power that turns fights in one exchange. He was the type of fighter who won by making better decisions than his opponent, controlling tempo, and capitalizing on lapses. His willingness to step in on one day's notice to face Trevin Giles at UFC 247 in February 2020, while cornering another fighter, highlighted his commitment and work ethic; he earned a Fight of the Night bonus despite a split-decision loss, a showing of sportsmanship that endeared him to many observers.

After his final fight in October 2020 (a unanimous decision win over Claudio Silva), Krause retired and pivoted to coaching, running Glory MMA in Kansas City and mentoring rising talent like Brandon Moreno. However, his post-fighting career was derailed in 2022 when the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended his license following a betting scandal involving fighter Darrick Minner. Strange betting-line movements and allegations of improperly disclosed information drew scrutiny, and Krause's involvement prompted major rule changes throughout the UFC to prevent fighters, coaches, and their families from wagering on fights. Though some in the MMA community, including Chael Sonnen, later called for leniency, the scandal effectively ended his role in the sport and remains a controversial stain on his otherwise respected legacy as a fighter and coach.