Undefeated UFC flyweight contender Jeff Molina‘s suspension had sent shockwaves through the UFC world. The reason for his suspension? Well, the 27-year-old was suspended for 3 years for placing a huge bet on teammate Darrick Minner who was injured. Molina failed to disclose Minner’s injury, and the latter did not reveal his knee injury on a pre-fight medical questionnaire. Ultimately, he was finished by Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in round one.
Featherweight Molina’s suspension ends on 5 November, 2025, while Minner can is allowed to fighting on 26 March, 2025. Before his suspension ends, Ariel Helwani decided to speak to him and get to know the latest update.
Molina spoke to Helwani and said, “I had no bad blood with UFC, man, they changed my life. I am forever grateful. That you know I got to fight amongst the best, I was ranked at the time. He added that the UFC couldn’t continue with him after his hearing, so he requested and was granted a release. He reflected on the emotional toll and noted he’d been drug-tested regularly over the past 2.5 years while staying consistent with his supplements.
Even though he showed his gratitude to UFC, he did take a jibe at Dana White and co for overlooking many other veteran fighters who had controversies. He subtly mentioned Jon Jones and said, “ I thought that the UFC was founded on that principle like hey if you screw up you get your punishment. People have come back from running over a pregnant lady high on coke and have done terrible stuff. They do the punishment, and they come back. I thought my 2 1/2 years was enough and I’d be able to come back to the UFC, but I get it. I think they’re in talks with the new broadcasting deal. I don’t know if they don’t want the attention and whatnot, but I’m ready to fight again.”
“I thought that the UFC was founded on that principle like… People have come back from running over a pregnant lady high on coke and done terrible stuff. They do the punishment and they come back. I thought my 2 1/2 years was enough and I’d be able to come back to the UFC, but… pic.twitter.com/sgZuf4r4Fn
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 29, 2025
Well, for the unversed, back in 2015,‘Bones’ was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The accident involved a pregnant lady who was hit by Jones while he was driving a rental car. His car struck hers, and she ended up with a broken arm. Jones fled the scene without waiting for the authorities to arrive. In response to this, the UFC stripped Jon Jones of his light heavyweight championship belt.
He spoke about the same to MMA Fighting and said, “Get in my car, and I remember being at a red light and I had my music going. Texting on my cellphone. I saw the light turn green, and I assumed it was my green light, but really, it was a green light for people who were going straight in traffic, and I was turning. So, I just stepped on the gas when I saw the green light, and I found myself driving right into oncoming traffic.”
He claimed he fled the scene because he was afraid that the police would think he was under the influence of alcohol. However, Molina has not only dragged Jones for being brought back for the title fight but also took a jibe at Conor McGregor.
Jeff Molina dragged Conor McGregor into his jibe
After the hearing on 25 March 2025, the 27-year-old came across a tweet by Jason Hagholm. The TV broadcaster had reacted to NSAC’s decision to suspend Molina for 3 years. According to him, the flyweight star should have been suspended for life. Molina did not sit silently and posted, “I had wagers on both sides of the fight, and my ‘significant‘ bet was less than $500. The only thing I’m guilty of was continuing to wager on fights after the UFC emailed us telling us to stop.”
He then took a jibe at Conor McGregor and said, it was “insane” to get a three-year suspension for placing bets just two weeks after receiving a warning, while McGregor flaunts million-dollar bet slips on main events as an active UFC fighter, and no one bats an eye. “A double standard,” he added, calling out the hypocrisy loud and clear.
The post UFC Fighter Facing 3-Year Ban For Betting Points Fingers at Dana White & Co.’s Questionable Decision Making appeared first on EssentiallySports.
