UFC Betting Scandal Fighters Molina and Minner Receive Suspensions
UFC veterans Jeff Molina and Darrick Minner have received substantial multi-year suspensions from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) following the highly publicized James Krause betting scandal, an event that has significantly impacted the integrity of sports wagering in the mixed martial arts (MMA) community.
This ruling, which emerged after a series of comprehensive disciplinary hearings, signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing fallout from illegal betting practices within the UFC ecosystem. The NAC’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in sports betting amidst rampant speculation about integrity violations.
Darrick Minner, aged 34, faces a retroactive 29-month suspension dating back to November 2022, effectively concluding on March 26, 2025. Additionally, he has been levied a $235 fine for neglecting to disclose a severe knee injury sustained before his fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in November 2022. His early exit from that matchup, which lasted merely 67 seconds, ignited suspicions of potential manipulation in the fight’s betting odds.
In contrast, 27-year-old Jeff Molina has received an even heftier penalty, with a 36-month suspension retroactively applied from June 2022, keeping him sidelined until November 5, 2025. Similar to Minner, Molina incurred a $235 fine for placing substantial wagers on Minner’s fight and for failing to alert the commission about Minner’s injury, which he was aware of prior to the match.
Underlying Reasons for the Suspensions
(Pictured – Jeff Molina)
The sanctions against both fighters are rooted in considerable betting irregularities that surfaced around Minner’s contest. In particular, there was a dramatic shift in betting lines just before the bout, a scenario that warranted a thorough investigation involving both the NAC and federal agencies.
The NAC had initially imposed temporary suspensions on Molina and Minner back in December 2022, but the latest ruling solidifies the long-term ramifications of their involvement in the betting controversy.
At the heart of this scandal is James Krause, a former coach at Glory MMA, who stands accused of coordinating illicit activities with the offline sportsbook ABCBetting.ag. This believed conspiracy allegedly enabled Krause to secure lines of credit in exchange for referral commissions linked to his fighters’ engagements.
In the wake of this explosive betting scandal, Krause’s standing in the UFC has plummeted, forcing him to exit the organization as investigations into his actions continue.
As the dust settles on the NAC’s decision, the broader implications for both Molina and Minner’s careers remain uncertain. However, with the gambling investigations still in progress, the ongoing specter of the scandal continues to overshadow the UFC, highlighting the paramount importance of integrity in sports betting.
