Jeff Molina

Early career

Molina began his professional after a successful 9–0 amateur career. His professional debut took place on Jun 2, 2017 at VFC: Fight Night Harrah's 5, where he lost the bout to Steven Merrill via rear-naked choke in the first round. He rebounded at VFC 58, where he submitted Delfino Benitez via rear-naked choke in the first round. Molina would go on to lose his next bout against Nate Smith via close split decision at Victory FC: Fight Night Coco Key. Afterwards, Molina would go on to win his next 4 bouts via stoppages, before appearing at LFA 76, submitting Chauncey Wilson via rear-naked choke in round one. Molina would go on to submit Kenny Porter via arm-triangle choke at FAC 2.^[3][4]

Molina was invited to Dana White's Contender Series 30 on August 25, 2020, where he faced Jacob Silva,^[5] winning the bout via unanimous decision and earning a UFC contract.^[6]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Molina was scheduled to face Zarrukh Adashev on November 14, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos,^[7] before the bout was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 185.^[8] However, Molina withdrew from the event at the end of December 2020.^[9]

Molina made his UFC debut against Aori Qileng on April 24, 2021 at UFC 261. He won the bout via unanimous decision.^[10] The bout earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award.^[11] Molina's 220 strikes attempted in the third round is a UFC record.^[12]

In his sophomore performance, Molina faced Daniel da Silva on October 23, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori.^[13] He won the bout via TKO stoppage early in the second round.^[14]

Molina faced Zhalgas Zhumagulov on June 4, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Rozenstruik.^[15] He won the bout via controversial split decision.^[16] 12 out of 13 media scores gave it to Zhumagulov.^[17]

Molina was set to face Jimmy Flick on January 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 217.^[18] However, Molina withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Charles Johnson.^[19]

Molina is suspended by the NYAC and NSAC effective as of November 5, 2022, linking to a result of suspicious betting activity ahead of the November 5 UFC fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, and Molina is temporary barred from the UFC until the matter is resolved.^[20][21][22]

In January 2023, it was reported that Molina was removed from the UFC's roster.^[23]

Support for LGBTQ rights

Molina wore UFC Pride Month shorts during his fight with Zhalgas Zhumagulov in order to benefit the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, which is the beneficiary of profits from sales of the UFC Pride Month T-shirts. He faced fierce backlash from some MMA fans. Molina expressed surprise to see such a reaction in 2022, and frustration at the perceived bigotry of those attacking him on social media.^[26]