(Editor’s note: Story updated at 8:35 p.m. ET to reflect new information from a UFC statement released to ESPN.)
UFC flyweight Jeff Molina was formally suspended Tuesday by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) for allegations of “substantial” involvement in the “gaming scheme” that allegedly involved his coach, James Krause.
At a monthly meeting held in Las Vegas, Molina was handed a temporary suspension by the commission, which will continue until investigations conclude. An online database Tuesday showed Molina has been removed from the UFC’s fighter roster, however, he has not been released from the promotion pending the ongoing investigations, according to a statement released from the promotion to ESPN.
“Evidence has come to light, leading to allegations that respondent Jeff Molina was involved in some substantial way in the gaming scheme currently under ongoing investigation related to James Krause,” Nevada Attorney General’s Office representative Joel Bekker said. “Based on this evidence pursuant to NRS 467.117, executive director (Jeff) Mullen temporarily suspended the respondent’s license on Dec. 15, 2022. It is now being requested this suspension be continued pending the resolution of investigations and any subsequent disciplinary action.”
No further details were provided into the allegations pertinent to Molina’s involvement specifically. However, ESPN reported earlier this month Molina was quoted as encouraging members to join a betting group established and run by Krause.
“He’s trained w/ a lot of the fighters, lives and breathes this sport as a coach/fighter, & at times has the scoop on injuries — non-announced matchups — how fighters look like in camp, etc.,” Molina reportedly wrote in the group. “In stocks, this is called insider trading, in MMA betting it’s called James Krause. For the last 6 months, all my bills including mortgage and car note have been paid via Krause’s picks. Do yourself a favor and join the VIP.”
A former UFC fighter who transitioned into a coach for over a dozen UFC fighters, Krause was suspended weeks after significantly suspicious line movement occurred in the hours leading up to a fight that involvement one of his athletes, Darrick Minner.
On Dec. 2, the UFC issued a notice to all fighters restricting them from training under, or associating with, Krause. The same day, the promotion announced it released Minner from his contract.
Krause and Minner were both suspended by Nevada after they allegedly failed to disclose an injury. Minner suffered a leg injury early in the bout and was finished with strikes. The finish cashed much of the suspicious prop bet action. In the weeks that followed, several gaming commissions in North America issued restrictions on UFC wagering.
In late December, Molina was removed from a scheduled Jan. 14 bout and his license was listed as suspended in the official ABC database, MixedMartialArts.com, though there was no official word as to why until Tuesday.
