The story of the UFC betting scandal has reached yet another installment.
‘El Jefe’ Suspended
On Saturday, ESPN reported that UFC flyweight Jeff Molina had been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Oddly enough, no reason was given for the fighter’s suspension as it was marked ‘uncategorized’. All will likely be revealed in January at the NSAC’s next meeting.
Molina was scheduled to fight the returning Jimmy Flick at the UFC’s first event of the year on Jan. 14. However, that fight would fall through as ‘El Jefe’ withdrew one day after a surprise announcement from the UFC in which the promotion put out a PSA that any fighters training under James Krause were no longer allowed to compete.
Molina has been coached by Krause for years now.
This ban be a result of the ongoing investigation into Darrick Minner vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, which took place in November. Minner, who is coached by Krause, is suspected of ‘throwing’ a fight against his opponent to benefit bettors who had inside knowledge of his existing injury.
Krause and Minner both have had their suspensions extended.
Molina Is ‘Linked’ To Investigation Of UFC Betting Scandal
Krause and Minner aren’t the only ones currently being investigated in the UFC betting probe. ESPN would report ‘Molina is also linked to the investigation, which, according to the UFC, involves multiple government entities’ including the FBI.
Jeff Mullen, the NSAC executive director, refused to comment on whether Molina was suspended “until the meeting support material is released.”
Jeff Molina last fought in June, where he picked up a split decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov. The Contender Series alumni is currently 3-0 inside the UFC, but his career will be on hold until his name is (or if it’s) cleared from this ongoing betting investigation.
