Two former UFC fighters, Jeff Molina and Darrick Minner, have been handed suspensions by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) following their involvement in a growing illegal betting scandal that has rocked the sport.
Minner, 34, was given a 29-month ban after failing to disclose a serious knee injury ahead of his fight on 5 November 2022. He went on to lose quickly in the first round to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, with the bout immediately raising red flags due to unusual betting activity, as flagged by US Integrity.
Jeff Molina, 27, has received a three-year suspension after admitting to placing a significant bet on the same fight and failing to report his team-mate’s injury beforehand. According to the Commission, Molina was fully aware of Minner’s condition before placing the wager.
Molina’s ban will run until 5 November 2025, while Minner is eligible to return to competition from 26 March 2025.
Both fighters previously trained with James Krause, a former UFC athlete who has since transitioned into coaching. Krause is currently under investigation for his alleged role in a broader illegal gambling network. In response, the UFC has banned fighters from training at Krause’s gym or using him as a cornerman.
Krause has not commented publicly on the allegations and remains suspended by the NAC pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The case has intensified scrutiny on gambling practices within combat sports and has prompted calls for stricter oversight and regulation to preserve the integrity of competition.
