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