UFC fighter Jeff Molina suspended due to allegations he was involved in ‘some substantial way’ with betting scandal that rocked MMA
UFC flyweight Jeff Molina has been suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission amid an investigation into a betting scandal that rocked the sport of MMA.
On Tuesday, the UFC confirmed it will not book Molina in any fights as he is stands accused of being ‘involved in some substantial way’ with suspicious betting activity related to the UFC Vegas 64 fight between Darrick Minner and Sahyilan Nuerdanbieke.
James Krause coached Minner, who turned into a massive betting underdog just before the fight took place.
Minner lost the fight in the first round after suffering a leg injury that he has since revealed he had going into the fight on Novemebr 5.
As a result, Minner and Krause have been banned by Nevada’s commission for failing to disclose an injury - Minner was also cut by the UFC.
This happened just weeks after the UFC amended its Code of Conduct to prohibit fighters, coaches and their teams from betting on UFC bouts.
Molina is part of Krause’s Glory MMA and Fitness team that has also been barred from competing at UFC events which meant Brandon Moreno had to find a new place to train ahead of his flyweight unification fight with Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 283 this weekend.
The betting scandal has led to investigations being launched by FBI and gambling watchdogs, while several Canadian provinces have put a pause on UFC wagers.
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The UFC said in a statement issued to : “Jeff Molina has been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and UFC will not schedule him for any bouts, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, pending the outcome of the commission’s investigation.
“UFC’s Athlete Code of Conduct strictly prohibits fighters and members of their teams from wagering on UFC events, and UFC will take all necessary action to enforce that policy.
"UFC remains committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities while this matter is being investigated.”
Molina is one of the most exciting young 125lb prospects on the UFC roster.
The 25-year-old has won three straight fights since joining MMA’s premier promotion after impressing Dana White during his 2020 appearance on the Contender Series.
Molina, who is currently ranked in the flyweight top 15, was scheduled to face Jimmy Flick at UFC Vegas 67 last weekend but was pulled from the card when he was strongly linked to suspicious betting activity.