Jeff Molina in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Jeff Molina was suspended for 36 months by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) after violating sports integrity rules by betting on a fight involving his training partner Darrick Minner, concealing information about a previous injury to his opponent and maintaining ties to the betting scandal led by his former coach James Krause, who has been permanently banned from the sport. In response, the athlete stated on social media that his punishment is "insane" and pointed out a "double standard" when citing public bets by other fighters, such as Conor McGregor.
“My words were twisted. I bet on every fight on the card. This is how I make extra money when I’m not fighting since I spend all my time watching fights. I bet on both sides of the fight and my ‘significant’ bet was less than $500. The only thing I did wrong was continue to bet two weeks after the UFC sent us an email telling us to stop. Getting a three-year suspension for this is insane. (Conor) McGregor can post his million dollar bets every month on main event fights as an active fighter and no one says anything. Definitely a double standard,” the athlete wrote.
The NAC investigation, however, found that Molina had prior knowledge of an ACL injury to Minner that occurred weeks before the fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. Commission rules require that significant injuries be reported for medical evaluation to ensure safe competition conditions. The omission allowed the fighter to enter the Octagon without his opponent or authorities being alerted to the risk.
Additionally, Molina's "significant" bet on the event — although he claims it was less than $500 — was considered a conflict of interest, as the athlete was close to Krause, the linchpin of a scheme that manipulated results based on privileged information. In December 2022, the UFC banned all fighters from betting on fights in the organization, after Krause was investigated for suspicions of leaking data on injuries of athletes he trained.
You need login To comment.