Jeff Molina is ready to restart his fighting career, but this time without gloves. The former UFC flyweight competitor has signed a contract to join the roster at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
This signing happened after Molina was released from the UFC in the wake of a betting scandal involving his coach, James Krause. BKFC officials confirmed the agreement, which Molina first announced publicly.
Molina will not be immediately eligible to compete. He is currently serving a three-year suspension handed down by the Nevada Athletic Commission, which concludes on November 5th. He can fight again after this date.
The situation leading to his suspension initially involved his teammate Darrick Minner. Suspicions arose during Minner`s fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Vegas 64 in November 2022, where betting lines shifted dramatically just before the event. Minner ultimately lost quickly by first-round TKO.
Krause and Minner were suspended for failing to report an injury before the fight. The ensuing investigation into potential betting irregularities led several sportsbooks to cease taking bets on UFC bouts.
Molina`s suspension resulted from his involvement in wagering on his teammate`s fight. According to Matthew Feeley, deputy attorney general for the state of Nevada, Molina had direct knowledge of Minner’s serious injury but failed to inform the commission. Instead, he placed significant bets on the outcome of Minner’s fight, violating regulations.
As a consequence, Molina received a three-year suspension and a fine. He will become eligible to compete again in November.
During his tenure with the UFC before the suspension, Molina compiled an undefeated 3-0 record in the flyweight division.
Molina joins a growing BKFC roster. The organization has been actively expanding in recent years, recently holding its first event in Italy and planning a debut card in Texas for June.
