The fallout from the UFC betting scandal tied to James Krause has officially reached two fighters with formal sanctions from the Nevada Athletic Commission.
At its monthly hearing on Tuesday, the NAC handed down multiyear suspensions to UFC flyweight Jeff Molina and former featherweight Darrick Minner for their roles in the illegal betting scheme connected to Krause — a former fighter and coach who his hip deep in a federal gambling investigation.
Molina, who admitted to betting on a bout involving his injured teammate Minner, was given a three-year suspension and a $235.56 fine. His suspension, will expire on November 5, 2025.
According to NAC proceedings, Molina knew of Minner’s injury before the November 2022 fight but failed to inform the commission — a direct violation of NAC regulations. Instead, he placed a substantial wager on the bout.
“Having direct knowledge of a serious injury sustained by a fellow fighter… Molina failed to inform the commission and instead placed a significant bet,” said Matthew Feely, representing the attorney general’s office.
Minner, who was at the center of the suspicious betting activity, was suspended for 29 months — also retroactive — and is eligible to return March 26, 2025. He was penalized for failing to disclose a knee injury on his pre-fight medical forms before his fight against Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. The bout ended in a first-round TKO, with the injury visibly hindering Minner early in the fight.
“On his pre-fight questionnaire… Minner responded by checking the box that stated no,” Feely said.
Both fighters have been inactive since the flagged fight. Molina had been under suspension since January 2023 for what was described as “substantial” involvement in the gaming scheme. Minner was first suspended in December 2022 and released by the UFC that same month.
Investigators from U.S. Integrity and the FBI stepped in, and the fallout extended beyond the fighters. Dana White — who initially downplayed the situation — later admitted its seriousness, noting that federal charges were possible.
“They’re gonna go to fcking federal prison,” White said bluntly. “If you’re that fcking stupid… knock yourself out.”
According to ESPN reporting, Krause acted as an agent for an offshore sportsbook called ABCBetting.ag, offering betting lines, credit, and referral bonuses. His role in the scandal led the UFC to cut ties entirely — banning fighters from training with him or at his gym.
While Minner has claimed in recent interviews that he hasn’t been contacted by any agency other than the NAC, Krause has largely gone dark — recently resurfacing to post real estate advice on Facebook. He remains indefinitely suspended.
The scandal remains one of the most significant integrity breaches in modern MMA history — a reminder that in a sport as raw and unpredictable as the UFC, the lines between competition and corruption must remain firm.
