UFC’s Jeff Molina Fires Back, “I’m No Fight Fixing Mastermind”

In a fiery response to his recent three-year suspension, UFC flyweight Jeff Molina has vehemently denied accusations of being a “fight fixing mastermind” and called out what he perceives as double standards in the sport’s approach to betting.

The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) handed down the suspension to Molina on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for his involvement in a betting scandal that has rocked the MMA world. The 27-year-old fighter was found to have placed bets on a fight involving his teammate Darrick Minner while possessing insider knowledge of Minner’s pre-fight injury.

Suspended Flyweight Denies Major Role in Betting Scandal, Calls Out Double Standards

Molina, who last competed in June 2022, took to social media to address the suspension and clear the air about his role in the controversy. In a series of posts, he admitted to continuing to place bets after the UFC had instructed fighters to cease such activities but insisted that his wagers were relatively small and spread across entire fight cards.

Recently suspended #UFC fighter Jeff Molina breaks silence, responds to the Nevada Athletic Commission saying he made ‘significant bets’ on a November 2022 #UFCFightNight card. pic.twitter.com/mFfsNb8dEu

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 26, 2025

“My ‘significant’ bet was under $500,” Molina stated, pushing back against the notion that he was engaged in large-scale fight manipulation. “I bet on the entire card. It’s how I made side money while not competing since I watch fights anyway.”

The suspended fighter didn’t shy away from acknowledging his mistake, expressing remorse for breaking the UFC’s trust. However, he argued that the length of his suspension was disproportionate to his actions. “A three-year suspension is more than enough, but acting like 23-year-old me was some fight fixing mastermind making millions of dollars is comical,” Molina wrote.

In a move that has sparked further debate within the MMA community, Molina pointed out what he sees as inconsistent enforcement of betting regulations. He highlighted instances of high-profile fighters openly sharing substantial bets without facing repercussions, specifically mentioning UFC superstar Conor McGregor.

“McGregor can post his million-dollar bet slips on main events every month and no one bats an eye,” Molina observed, adding, “Definitely a double standard there.”

The betting scandal first came to light following Minner’s fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in November 2022. Unusual betting patterns raised red flags, leading to an investigation that implicated Molina, Minner, and their former coach James Krause in an illicit betting operation.

As a result of the investigation, the UFC severed ties with Krause and banned fighters from associating with him or training at his gym. Minner, who failed to disclose his knee injury before the fight, received a 29-month suspension from the NAC.

The fallout from this scandal has been significant, with several gaming commissions temporarily halting bets on UFC events and the organization facing increased scrutiny over its policies regarding fighter betting and injury disclosure.

UFC CEO Dana White had previously emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that those involved could face federal prison time. “There’s not enough money in it to ruin your life and not go to jail, go to federal prison,” White stated in the wake of the initial investigation.

Molina’s suspension is set to end on November 5, 2025, at which point he will be eligible to return to competition. In the meantime, his case has reignited discussions about the ethical challenges posed by the intersection of professional fighting and legalized sports betting.

As the MMA community continues to grapple with these issues, Molina’s outspoken response serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play. Whether his claims of double standards will lead to any changes in policy or enforcement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around betting in MMA is far from over.