UFC fighter suspended for three years over gambling scandal

Jeff Molina (left) has represented the UFC since 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The UFC betting scandal starring former fighter and coach James Krause gained a new and important chapter this Tuesday (25). Flyweight of the organization and former pupil of Krause, Jeff Molina received a three-year suspension for his involvement in the scheme at a monthly hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission following an adjudication agreement with the state attorney general.

The epicenter of the case was in UFC Las Vegas 64, in November 2022, more specifically in the defeat of Darrick Minner, James Krause's pupil and training partner. Jeff Molina, against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. Suspicions began after the betting lines for the fight changed dramatically with minutes remaining in the event. Previously the favorite, Minner became a major underdog due to a large volume of bets on him to lose moments before he suffered a leg injury and lost the fight in 67 seconds.

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James Krause and Darrick Minner were initially suspended for failing to report an injury to the commission before the fight, but a deeper investigation into a possible betting scandal was launched. About a month later, Jeff Molina was also suspended as a precaution. On Tuesday, Attorney General Matthew Feeley revealed that the flyweight had bet a considerable amount on his teammate's defeat after learning of the injury.

“After Molina had direct knowledge of a serious injury suffered by teammate Darrick Minner, Molina failed to inform the Commission of the injury in violation of Nevada State Athletic Commission Rule 467.885. Instead of informing the Commission, he placed significant bets with a gaming entity on the outcome of Minner’s fight,” the statement said.

As the suspension is retroactive to the date of the Minner-Nuerdanbieke fight, Jeff Molina will be able to compete again this year, on November 5, 2025.

James Krause, in turn, was effectively banned from the UFC and even prohibited from training athletes hired by the organization.