Two UFC fighters have been penalized for their involvement in an illegal betting scheme. Flyweight Jeff Molina and former featherweight Darrick Minner both appeared in disciplinary hearings in Las Vegas, according to reports. The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed down multi-year suspensions to the fighters.
Jeff Molina, 27, was given a three-year suspension and a $235.56 fine to cover prosecution fees. The reason is that he failed to disclose an injury suffered by Minner, 34, ahead of a fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. He also placed a bet on the Nov. 5, 2022 fight. His suspension runs through Nov. 5, 2025, according to reports.
Attorney General Matthew Feely stated that: “Having direct knowledge of a serious injury suffered by a fellow fighter, Darrick Minner, Molina failed to inform the Commission of the serious injury, [in] violation of NAC 467.885, and instead of informing the Commission, additionally placed a significant bet with a gaming entity on the Minner fight.”
Darrick Minner, meanwhile, was suspended for 29 months and fined $235.56 for the prosecution’s fees. He knowingly competed in the fight with a knee injury. The retroactive suspension allows him to return on March 26, 2025.
Molina has already been suspended since January 2023, due to what the committee deemed “substantial” involvement in a scheme involving coach James Krause. Meanwhile, Minner was originally suspended in December 2022, as reported.
Context of the struggle and investigation
It’s important to note that Minner hasn’t competed since the November 2022 fight. He didn’t disclose the knee injury before that fight and was defeated by Nuerdanbieke in the first round. Shortly after, US Integrity flagged the fight, which raised eyebrows, sources said.
UFC President Makes Statement on Gambling Involvement
Amid suspicions of illegal betting activity, UFC CEO Dana White has suggested there would be severe consequences for anyone found violating the rules.
“Do you know what the outcome of that is?” White asked. “If I penalize them, they’ll be cut off. They’ll go to federal prison.
If you’re that stupid and someone else wants to do it, then stop it. There’s not enough money to ruin your life and not go to jail, to a federal prison.”
Ultimately, the UFC cut ties with coach James Krause. Fighters who continued to train with him would not be allowed to participate in sanctioned events.
That move is pending the outcome of the government’s investigation. Krause currently remains suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
