Jeff Molina
El Jefe
USA
Out
Injury Suspension
Est. Return 11/5/2025
Suspended until November
Molina was given a 36-month suspension that will end on Nov. 5, according to Nolan King of MMA Junkie.
ANALYSIS
Molina is one of multiple fighters implicated in the betting scandal that involved his then-coach and former UFC fighter James Krause. Molina has not fought for more than three years, with his last fight a split-decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov in June 2022.
Molina is one of multiple fighters implicated in the betting scandal that involved his then-coach and former UFC fighter James Krause. Molina has not fought for more than three years, with his last fight a split-decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov in June 2022.
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Temporarily suspended
Molina has been temporarily suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission in conjunction with the betting scandal that involved his coach, James Krause, Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Molina has been suspended for the time being in relation to a betting scandal involving his coach, James Krause, who allegedly helped facilitate a series of offshore bookmaking operations dating back to 2019. It is unclear if Molina had any involvement in the scandal, or what the duration of his suspension will be. The 25-year-old fighter does not have any future fights scheduled at the moment.
Molina has been suspended for the time being in relation to a betting scandal involving his coach, James Krause, who allegedly helped facilitate a series of offshore bookmaking operations dating back to 2019. It is unclear if Molina had any involvement in the scandal, or what the duration of his suspension will be. The 25-year-old fighter does not have any future fights scheduled at the moment.
No longer fighting at UFC Vegas 67
Molina will no longer face Jimmy Flick at UFC Vegas 67 on Jan. 14, Mike Heck of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The reason behind Molina's withdrawal has yet to be released. Per Heck, there are agreements in place for Charles Johnson to step in as a new opponent for Flick, and the match has since been made official.
The reason behind Molina's withdrawal has yet to be released. Per Heck, there are agreements in place for Charles Johnson to step in as a new opponent for Flick, and the match has since been made official.
Facing Jimmy Flick
Molina will fight Jimmy Flick in a flyweight bout Jan. 14, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
The location of the card has yet to be announced. Molina has won 10 straight fights, including three under the UFC banner. He most recently beat Zhalgas Zhumagulov by split decision in June. His opponent, Flick, has also never lost as a UFC fighter, though he's fought just once with the promotion.
The location of the card has yet to be announced. Molina has won 10 straight fights, including three under the UFC banner. He most recently beat Zhalgas Zhumagulov by split decision in June. His opponent, Flick, has also never lost as a UFC fighter, though he's fought just once with the promotion.
Gets help from judges in victory
Molina defeated Zhalgas Zhumagulov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
If you want to know who deserved to win this fight, just look at how surprised Molina was when ring announcer Joe Martinez announced the decision. There was most certainly an argument to be made that a 29-28 scorecard was reasonable due to the fact Molina fought reasonable well in Round 3, although that too should have gone in Zhumagulov's favor. Molina was the more effective striker of the two and finished the bout with a 129-68 edge in total strikes landed, but Zhumagulov did a nice job of making this an ugly fight contested in close quarters, and that's not Molina's strength. Nonetheless, it's better to be lucky than good at times, and that old adage certainly held true for Molina here. The 24-year-old Kansas native has now won his first three UFC bouts.
If you want to know who deserved to win this fight, just look at how surprised Molina was when ring announcer Joe Martinez announced the decision. There was most certainly an argument to be made that a 29-28 scorecard was reasonable due to the fact Molina fought reasonable well in Round 3, although that too should have gone in Zhumagulov's favor. Molina was the more effective striker of the two and finished the bout with a 129-68 edge in total strikes landed, but Zhumagulov did a nice job of making this an ugly fight contested in close quarters, and that's not Molina's strength. Nonetheless, it's better to be lucky than good at times, and that old adage certainly held true for Molina here. The 24-year-old Kansas native has now won his first three UFC bouts.
Next fight set for June 4
Molina will take on Zhalgas Zhumagulov at a UFC event scheduled for June 4, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Although Molina remains on a medical suspension after suffering an ankle injury in his Oct. 23 victory over Daniel Lacerda, he should have plenty of time to get cleared ahead of June 4. Molina holds a career MMA record of 12-1 and will look to stay perfect in the UFC when he faces Zhumagulov.
Although Molina remains on a medical suspension after suffering an ankle injury in his Oct. 23 victory over Daniel Lacerda, he should have plenty of time to get cleared ahead of June 4. Molina holds a career MMA record of 12-1 and will look to stay perfect in the UFC when he faces Zhumagulov.