BKFC walks back ‘premature’ signing of exiled UFC fighter suspended for gambling

BKFC welcomed former UFC flyweight, Jeff Molina, to the world of bare knuckle boxing on Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours later, BKFC deleted the tweet and called the signing “premature.” That’s because Molina is still under suspension for gambling on UFC fights, part of the James Krause betting scandal that also pinched former UFC featherweight, Darrick Minner.

“Yesterday’s announcement regarding Jeff Molina’s signing was premature,” BKFC handlers wrote on social media. “We respect the ABC’s current suspension and will honor their rules and suspensions.”

punishment levied against Molina is retroactive to the date of his temporary suspension, which means “El Jefe” can return to action on Nov. 5. Whether or not BKFC moves forward with its original plans to employ Molina remains to be seen.

“I think the UFC was kind of founded on the principle that, hey, if you screw up, you get your punishment,” Molina told Ariel Helwani. “People have come back from running over a pregnant lady when high on coke. They do terrible stuff. They do their punishment and they come back. So I thought my 2.5 years was enough and I’d be able to come back to the UFC. But I get it. I think they are in talks with a new broadcasting deal. I don’t know if they don’t want the attention and what not.”

Molina, 27, was released from UFC in early 2023.