BREAKING: UFC denies Jeff Molina release rumors, provides clarification

UFC flyweight contender Jeff Molina is suspected of having "significant involvement" in a betting operation that is currently being investigated by numerous government bodies. Nevada Deputy Attorney General Joel Bekker detailed Molina's possible involvement in the betting scandal at a Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting on Tuesday.

Last month, the NSAC temporarily suspended Molina without providing a reason. Tuesday's extension of the suspension pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations sparked suspicions that Molina has been removed from the organization. However, according to the latest findings by ESPN MMA reporter Marc Raimondi, Molina hasn't been released by the UFC yet.

Based on the latest reports, the UFC is awaiting the outcome of the Nevada State Athletic Commission's investigation that will subsequently determine Jeff Molina's fate in the organization:

"Jeff Molina has not been released by the UFC, contrary to reports earlier Tuesday. The UFC told ESPN in a statement that the promotion "will not schedule [Molina] for any bouts, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, pending the outcome of the commission’s investigation."

The statement released to ESPN MMA further read:

"More from the UFC statement: "UFC’s Athlete Code of Conduct strictly prohibits fighters and members of their teams from wagering on UFC events, and the UFC will take all necessary action to enforce that policy."

The UFC is committed to providing full assistance to the investigating authorities as the organization tries to implement and preserve its policy that forbids fighters and members of their teams from betting on UFC events.

MMA fighter-turned-coach James Krause and two of his athletes, Darrick Minner and Jeff Molina, were suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC). While Minner was suspended for "failure to notify (the commission) of an injury in connection with his bout on November 5, 2022," the Nevada Athletic Commission had previously suspended Molina for unspecified reasons.

Place your bets for the upcoming UFC Fight Night main card and earn $$$.

---

Muhammad Mokaev takes jab at Jeff Molina amid betting scandal probe

The Nevada State Athletic Commission is investigating Jeff Molina's involvement in the betting syndicate operated by James Krause. The UFC is committed to cooperating with the commission during the investigation period, during which Molina will not be scheduled to compete.

Following his spectacular first-round submission victory over Cody Duren, rising flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev called out Molina for a potential fight in the future.

Molina deflected Mokaev's call-out, claiming that he has no intentions of facing an unranked opponent. Time flies and Mokaev has climbed up the flyweight rankings, surpassing Molina on the list. 'The Punisher' decided this was the best time to wreak revenge on Molina and tweeted:

"I remember after my UFC debut I called out Jeff Molina, he said you not even ranked. Time changes everything!"

Check out the tweet below: