Flyweight Jeff Molina’s UFC career is on pause after the Nevada Athletic Commission on Tuesday suspended him for involvement “in some substantial way” in the James Krause betting scandal.
The UFC on Tuesday issued a statement to MMA Fighting confirming it will not book Molina in any bouts until the resolution of the several investigations into the scandal, which centers around suspicious betting activity in the Darrick Minner vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke fight at UFC Vegas 64. Krause coached Minner, who turned into a massive betting underdog just before the fight took place. Minner lost the first round to Minner after sustaining a leg injury. He later admitted that he was the one who had sustained the injury before the fight.
“Jeff Molina was suspended by Nevada State Athletic Commission. UFC has decided not to schedule him for any fights in Nevada, or anywhere else, until the results of their investigation.” The UFC statement stated. UFC’s Athlete code of conduct strictly forbids fighters or members of their teams betting on UFC events. UFC will enforce this policy. While this case is under investigation .”
, UFC will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities.
The promotion amended its Code of Conduct several weeks prior to UFC Vegas 64 to prohibit fighters, coaches and their teams from betting on UFC fights. As spokespersons, fighters could still be allowed to represent the betting companies.
Molina is a member of the Glory MMA and Fitness teams coached by Krause and was not allowed to compete in UFC events. Molina had been scheduled to face Jimmy Flick this past Saturday at UFC Vegas 67, but he soon after withdrew from the event.
Krause and Minner were subsequently suspended by the NAC for failing to disclose Minner’s leg injury. Molina, meanwhile, was issued a temporary suspension pending the Tuesday hearing that resulted in a suspension on Dec. 15, 2022 that will remain until the resolution of multiple investigations into the suspicious betting activity, which according to ESPN.com, involves the FBI and other gambling watchdogs.
After the suspicious line movement and confirmation of multiple investigations, New Jersey regulators barred Krause from betting activity, while several Canadian provinces paused UFC betting; one reversed its position after a review of the situation.
Damon Martin contributed to this report.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/17/23560004/ufc-reaffirms-jeff-molina-barred-from-promotion-after-nevada-athletic-commission-suspension?rand=96749
