UFC flyweight contender Jeff Molina is said to have had ‘significant involvement’ in a betting organization that is the subject of federal investigations.
At a Tuesday hearing of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Nevada deputy attorney general Joel Bekker spoke in detail about Molina’s potential role in the betting scam.
❌ Fighter removed: Jeff Molina
— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) January 17, 2023
The NSAC temporarily suspended Molina last month without giving a reason. Suspicions that Molina has been released from the company have grown because the suspension was extended on Tuesday until the completion of current investigations. According to Marc Raimondi’s most recent research for ESPN MMA, Molina hasn’t yet been released by the UFC.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission’s investigation is ongoing. According to the most recent reports, the results will decide Jeff Molina’s future with the UFC:
“Jeff Molina has not been released by the UFC, contrary to reports earlier Tuesday. The UFC told ESPN in a statement that the promotion “will not schedule [Molina] for any bouts, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, pending the outcome of the commission’s investigation.”
Jeff Molina has not been released by the UFC, contrary to reports earlier Tuesday. The UFC told ESPN in a statement that the promotion "will not schedule [Molina] for any bouts, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, pending the outcome of the commission’s investigation."
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) January 18, 2023
The statement that was released to ESPN MMA also stated:
“More from the UFC statement: “UFC’s Athlete Code of Conduct strictly prohibits fighters and members of their teams from wagering on UFC events, and the UFC will take all necessary action to enforce that policy.”
As the company works to enforce and uphold its policy prohibiting fighters and members of their teams from betting on UFC events, the UFC is committed to providing full support to the investigating authorities.
The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended MMA fighter-turned-coach James Krause and two of his athletes, Darrick Minner and Jeff Molina. The Nevada Athletic Commission had earlier banned Molina for an undisclosed cause. Minner was suspended for “failure to notify (the commission) of an injury in connection with his bout on November 5, 2022.”
The role of Jeff Molina in the betting syndicate run by James Krause is being looked into by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Molina won’t be able to fight while the investigation is ongoing, but the UFC is committed to working with the commission.