Jeff Molina Suspension Extended for ‘Substantial Involvement’ in UFC Betting Scandal

UFC flyweight Jeff Molina had his suspension extended on Tuesday for what was categorized as “substantial involvement” in the promotion’s ongoing betting scandal.

Molina was temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission last month. That term was extended during a commission meeting after Nevada deputy attorney general Joel Bekker revealed that the Glory MMA & Fitness member “was involved in some substantial way in the gaming scheme currently under ongoing investigation related to James Krause.” Molina’s suspension will continue until those investigations have concluded.

No further details regarding Molina’s involvement were revealed during Tuesday’s meeting. However, screenshots recently captured by ESPN showed Molina advocating for Krause’s private Discord server that offered betting tips. Krause was recently revealed to be an agent for an offshore sportsbook who allegedly engaged in “insider trading.” U.S. residents who act in this capacity can face charges of money laundering or tax evasion.

“He’s trained [with a] lot of the fighters, lives and breathes this sport as a coach/fighter, [and] at times has the scoop on injuries – non-announced matchups – how fighters look like in camp, etc,” Molina wrote, as transcribed by ESPN. “In stocks this is called insider trading in MMA betting it’s called James Krause. For the last six months all my bills including mortgage and car note have been paid via Krause’s picks. Do yourself a favor and join the VIP.”

The betting probe initially began as a result of suspicious betting activity ahead of the Nov. 5 UFC fight between Darrick Minner and Neurdanbieke Shayilan. Odds shifted significantly in Shayilan’s favor a few hours before the bout — including significant wagering on the Chinese fighter to win inside the distance. Shayilan defeated a hobbled Minner by technical knockout in 67 seconds, and speculation ensued that Minner was injured heading into the bout. Minner has since been released by the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Meanwhile, Krause was suspended by the NSAC for potentially failing to disclose Minner’s injury, and the UFC has barred fighters on the roster from any association with Krause’s gym until the investigation concludes. Those who continue to train under Krause will be banned from competing at UFC events, according to the promotion.

Molina was scheduled to face Jimmy Flick at UFC Fight Night 217 on Jan. 14 before withdrawing from the bout. He was replaced by Charles Johnson. The 25-year-old Molina is 3-0 in UFC competition since appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020. The Olathe, Kan., native last appeared at UFC Fight Night 207, where he earned a split-decision triumph against Zhalgas Zhumagulov.