Former UFC fighters Jeff Molina and Darrick Minner are expected to receive clarity regarding their fighting futures as they are scheduled for disciplinary hearings with the Nevada Athletic Commission. These hearings stem from their suspension due to suspected involvement in a betting scandal linked to their head coach, James Krause.
Both fighters are on the agenda for the upcoming meeting on March 25. The listed item is described as a “hearing on disciplinary complaint, or alternatively, a hearing on a proposed settlement agreement.” This typically indicates that the Nevada Attorney General’s office has pre-arranged a potential punishment, which now awaits commission approval through a vote.
The suspensions for both Molina and Minner, along with Krause, were initiated in December 2022. This action followed public allegations and an investigation into Krause concerning betting irregularities.
The situation gained prominence after Minner’s fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Vegas 64 in November 2022. Minner lost via first-round TKO in that match. Suspicion arose because betting odds for this fight shifted dramatically just before it began, with Minner becoming a significant underdog right before his quick defeat in just 67 seconds.
Krause and Minner were initially suspended for not disclosing a pre-existing injury before the fight. However, the core investigation focused on a possible betting scandal that led some sportsbooks to stop accepting bets on UFC events.
Molina also received an indefinite suspension as he was identified as a person of interest in the ongoing betting scandal investigation related to James Krause.
During the commission hearing where Molina’s suspension was decided, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Joel Bekker stated that “evidence has emerged suggesting respondent Jeff Molina was substantially involved in the gaming scheme currently under investigation related to James Krause.”
Once the allegations against Krause became public, the UFC quickly distanced itself from the retired fighter and coach. They issued a statement effectively banning him from any association with the promotion or any fighters competing within it. The UFC also warned of immediate repercussions for any fighter continuing to train with Krause after the investigation started.
In a statement from December 2022, UFC officials declared, “UFC has informed Krause and the managers of affected fighters that, with immediate effect, fighters who choose to remain coached by Krause or continue training at his gym will not be allowed to participate in UFC events pending the results of the government investigations mentioned above.”
Subsequently, Minner was released from his UFC contract.
UFC CEO Dana White briefly addressed the situation and the gravity of the potential charges after the investigation commenced.
Following UFC 282, White commented on the potential consequences, stating, “Do you know what the outcome of this is? If they are penalized, they are going to be cut. They are going to go to Federal prison — Federal f*cking prison. If you’re that stupid and someone else wants to do it, go ahead. There’s not enough money in it to ruin your life and risk federal prison.”
The fighters have been under temporary suspension for nearly three months. The scheduled disciplinary hearings at the upcoming Nevada Athletic Commission meeting on Tuesday suggest that a resolution may be approaching.
