UFC flyweight Jeff Molina issued suspension by NSAC amid ongoing James Krause betting investigation

Jeff MolinaUFC flyweight prospect, the #13 ranked division contender, Jeff Molina has been issued a suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) this week, according to Molina’s page on online official record tracker, mixedmartialarts.com. Molina, 25, a current UFC flyweight fighter, currently holds the #13 rank in the organization’s official rankings, most recently securing a […]

Jeff Molina

UFC flyweight prospect, the #13 ranked division contender, Jeff Molina has been issued a suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) this week, according to Molina’s page on online official record tracker, mixedmartialarts.com.

Molina, 25, a current UFC flyweight fighter, currently holds the #13 rank in the organization’s official rankings, most recently securing a split decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC Vegas 56 in June of this year.

According to an initial report by ESPN reporters, David Purdum, and Marc Raimondi, a reason for Jeff Molina’s suspension from the NSAC is not listed, however, a source with access to the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) internal database informed ESPN that Molina’s suspension is currently marked as “uncategorized”, ahead of a meeting scheduled with the NSAC in January of next year. 

At the time of his suspension, Jeff Molina was expected to fight the returning, Jimmy Flick at an upcoming UFC Vegas 67 event in January next, however, withdrew from the bout on December 3. last, a day after the UFC confirmed combatants under their banner who continued to train under James Krause would be suspended from UFC events

Molina, who had trained with Krause at Glory MMA & Fitness in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is currently linked to the ongoing investigation involving James Krause, according to ESPN – an investigation which the UFC confirmed includes multiple government entities. 

Krause, and now-former UFC featherweight contender, Darrick Minner were both issued suspensions on their licenses from the NSAC, in relation to the latter’s November 5. first round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdianbieke, in which suspicious betting activity was flagged. 

ESPN attempted to receive comment from NSAC executive director Jeff Mullen amid Molina’s suspension by the commission, however, stressed he could not issue comment “until the meeting support material is released.” 

Jeff Molina holds three victories under the banner of the UFC

11-2 as a professional and boasting an unbeaten 3–0 record under the UFC banner, Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Molina holds wins over Aoriqileng, Daniel da Silva, and the aforenoted, Zhumagulov. 

Khamzat Chimaev eyes March return at UFC 285, claims ‘Nobody wants to fight’

Khamzat ChimaevUndefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev appears to be searching for his next opponent – fruitlessly, however, as he eyes a return to active competition at UFC 285 next March in Las Vegas, Nevada. Improving to 12-0 back in September of this year, AllStars MMA staple, Chimaev turned in a dominant first round D’Arce choke […]

Khamzat Chimaev

Undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev appears to be searching for his next opponent – fruitlessly, however, as he eyes a return to active competition at UFC 285 next March in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Improving to 12-0 back in September of this year, AllStars MMA staple, Chimaev turned in a dominant first round D’Arce choke win over recent UFC Orlando headliner, Kevin Holland.

Chimaev was initially scheduled to fight Nate Diaz in the UFC 279 headliner, however, missed the welterweight non-title weight limit by a whopping seven and a half pounds, forcing a catchweight fight with Riverside striker, Holland.

Khamzat Chimaev mentions a potential future fight with middleweight king, Alex Pereira

Currently sitting at #3 in the official welterweight rankings, and likely a single win away from his first title siege under the banner of the UFC, Chechen-born finisher, Chimaev claimed he is unable to find a willing opponent to fight him at UFC 285 next March. 

“It doesn’t matter [if it’s 170 or 185], just need some opponent,” Khamzat Chimaev said during a video blog recently. “I’m tired to do it, the trash-talking. This is not my game. I am the next for the title, so – who are these guys gonna fight?”

“Alex Pereira, he has 6-1 record, he’s lost,” Khamzat Chimaev continued. “I’ve never lost in my life. And he lost to a sh*t guy – the guy isn’t in the UFC as well. UFC doesn’t want it, the guy don’t want it. What am I gonna do? I just wanna fight, give me somebody. If the guys run away from me, just give me somebody.” (Transcribed by MMA Mania

During his two-year Octagon tenure, Chimaev has managed to land an impressive 6-0 record, defeating John Philips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, one-time welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, and the above-mentioned, Holland. From 12 professional wins to boot, Chimaev holds six knockout victories and a further five submission stoppages.

Fighter of the Year – LowKick MMA 2022 Awards

Alex PereiraAmongst a slew of title changes and memorable performances from veterans and prospects alike over the course of 2022, one fighter – making a successful transition to professional mixed martial arts following a gold-laden kickboxing career, appears to have stood out firmly from a championship crowd. In that breath, Brazilian bruiser, Alex Pereira is firmly […]

Alex Pereira

Amongst a slew of title changes and memorable performances from veterans and prospects alike over the course of 2022, one fighter – making a successful transition to professional mixed martial arts following a gold-laden kickboxing career, appears to have stood out firmly from a championship crowd. In that breath, Brazilian bruiser, Alex Pereira is firmly your LowKickMMA Fighter of the Year.

Fighter of the Year – Alex Pereira – UFC – 3-0-0 (7 votes)

Embarking on a three-fight undefeated run since a UFC debut back in November of last year, within a year, Sao Paulo knockout ace, Alex Pereira had turned the middleweight world on its proverbial head – with typical, blistering fashion.

Kicking off his year of activity with a unanimous decision win over compatriot, Bruno Silva at UFC Vegas 50 in March, former GLORY Kickboxing duel-weight champion, Pereira would carve his path to a title tilt in the summer of this annum.

Snapping the seven-fight undefeated run of recent UFC Vegas 66 headliner, Sean Strickland, Pereira recorded a destructive first round knockout win – beneath an event headlined by arch-rival, Israel Adesanya.

Headlining at Madison Square Garden in November a year removed from his Octagon bow in New York City, within just four UFC walks, Pereira minted himself as an undisputed middleweight titleholder – rallying to finish kickboxing foe, Adesanya with a fifth round standing TKO triumph. 

Honorable Mentions

Alexander Volkanovski – UFC – 2-0-0 (4 votes)

Twice defending his undisputed featherweight championship this year, New South Wales native and promotional pound-for-pound number one, Alexander Volkanovski preps himself for a massive outing next year. 

However, in 2022, the defending featherweight titleholder turned in consecutive successful defense number three against Chan Sung Jung in April, and then four against three-time foe, Max Holloway, respectively – bloodying the Hawaiian back in July during International Fight Week.

On February 12. next year, Volkanovski travels home – competing for undisputed lightweight spoils against recently minted champion, Islam Makhachev, attempting to become a two-weight champion held simultaneously. 

Aljamain Sterling – UFC – 2-0-0 – (1 vote)

Receiving just a singular vote in a year which seems to have gone under the radar for Uniondale native and undisputed bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling firmly cemented his status as the best 135lb fighter to compete under the UFC’s banner.

Rematching rival, Petr Yan in April of this year in Jacksonville, Florida – Sterling put prior title-winning disqualification wins behind him, landing a split decision victory. In October on ‘Fight Island’, Sterling stopped former two-time bantamweight best, T.J. Dillashaw in dominant ground strikes stoppage fashion. 

Sterling has yet to book his next Octagon walk, however, rumblings suggest the Serra-Longo staple and Xtreme Couture trainee is set to welcome the retired, Henry Cejudo back to the Octagon as soon as March next. 

Full List Of 2022 Fighter of the Year Votes:

Frank Bonada: Alex Pereira

Ross Markey: Alex Pereira

Murdo Todd: Alex Pereira

Patrick Post: Alex Pereira

Ian Shutts: Alex Pereira

Brady Ordway Briggs: Alex Pereira

Marc Ray: Alex Pereira

Ollie Brockett: Alexander Volkanovski

Keelin McNamara: Alexander Volkanovski

Tim Wheaton: Alexander Volkanovski

Arshan Dhillon: Alexander Volkanovski

Alex Lough: Aljamain Sterling

Submission of the Year – LowKick MMA 2022 Awards

Submission of the YearFrom all the awards hosted by LowKickMMA this annum, the accolade for Submission of the Year saw the most separate nominations – with a stunning eight separate fight-ending stoppages receiving votes. However, its former UFC strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade who scoops the award for her most recent victory.  Submission of the Year – Jessica Andrade […]

Submission of the Year

From all the awards hosted by LowKickMMA this annum, the accolade for Submission of the Year saw the most separate nominations – with a stunning eight separate fight-ending stoppages receiving votes.

However, its former UFC strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade who scoops the award for her most recent victory. 

Submission of the Year – Jessica Andrade vs. Amanda Lemos – Standing arm-triangle (3 votes)

Headlining UFC Vegas 52 back in April against compatriot, Amanda Lemos in a return to her former strawweight stomping grounds, Jessica Andrade turned in her second straight victory, stopping her fellow Brazil native with an innovative finish.

Locking up at the Octagon fence in the opening frame, Andrade out-muscled and maneuvered Lemos at the fence, securing a standing arm-triangle submission win. With the victory, Andrade has positioned herself in the running for title challengers at both flyweight and strawweight in the near future.

Honorable Mentions

Stevie Ray vs. Anthony Pettis – Scottish Twister (1 vote)

Turning in both a contender for Submission of the Year as well as arguably the most high-profile win of his professional career, UFC alum, Stevie Ray secured a spectacular, and rare Twister submission win over former WEC and UFC champion, Anthony Pettis.

Twice defeating the Roufusport staple this alum under the banner of the PFL (Professional Fighters League), Ray notched his ninth career submission win with his Twister effort over Pettis in Atlanta. 

Ilia Topuria vs. Bryce Mitchell – Arm-triangle (1 vote) 

Handing featherweight grappler his first professional loss on the main card of UFC 282 earlier this month, German-born division contender, Ilia Topuria maintained his undefeated record, with a blistering arm-triangle submission win over the TUF alum. Following the brutal, one-sided defeat, Mitchell admitted he was weighing up his future in mixed martial arts entirely.

Paul Craig vs. Nikita Krylov – Triangle (2 votes)

Enjoyed a mixed bag of success throughout the year in his attempt to climb the light heavyweight rankings, Scottish grappler, Paul Craig submitted former FNG champion, Nikita Krylov with a first-round triangle win at UFC London in March. The victory landed Craig a post-fight Performance of the Night bonus. 

Angela Lee vs. Stamp Fairtex – Rear-naked choke (1 vote)

Successfully defending her ONE Championship atomweight championship back in March before eventually dropping a strawweight title challenge loss to Xiong Jing Nan, Angela Lee handed a second-round rear-naked choke to kickboxing talent, Stamp Fairtex. A supreme grappler, Vancouver grappler, Lee matched with striking ace, Fairtex – successfully defending her throne with a rear-naked choke stoppage.  

Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje – Rear-naked choke (1 vote)

Former UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira successfully prevented former interim titleholder, Justin Gaethje from obtaining gold in May of this year, however, was unable to exit Phoenix, Arizona with his title.

Missing weight for their UFC 274 title headliner in the ‘Copper State’, Oliveira survived a pair of knockdowns against the Arizonian, to rally and land a knockdown of his own, before securing a rear-naked choke victory. 

Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka – Rear-naked choke (2 votes)

Sans hooks, Czech Republic native, Jiri Prochazka managed to land himself the undisputed light heavyweight title at UFC 275 back in June with a buzzer-beating fifth round rear-naked choke win over Glover Teixeira.

Prochazka, who was losing their Singapore fight on all three judges’ scorecards – attempting to win the fifth round and secure a potential draw on the night, managed to take Minas Gerais veteran, Teixeira’s back, and without hooks to boot, submitted the Brazilian to win light heavyweight gold.

Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makahchev – Arm-triangle (1 vote)

Seeing his division-best winning run halted back in October on ‘Fight Island’, Charles Oliveira failed in his bid to become a two-time lightweight titleholder, suffering a rather one-sided second round arm-triangle submission loss to American Kickboxing Academy staple, Islam Makhachev

Suffering a knockdown in the second frame, Oliveira was jumped upon by Makhachev, who quickly assumed half guard and then stepped across, locking up an arm-triangle submission win.

Frank Bonada: Stevie Ray

Ross Markey: Charles Oliveira

Murdo Todd: Paul Craig

Patrick Post: Jiri Prochazka

Ian Shutts: Paul Craig

Brady Ordway Briggs: Islam Makhachev

Marc Ray: Jessica Andrade

Ollie Brockett: Jessica Andrade

Keelin McNamara: Ilia Topuria

Tim Wheaton: Angela Lee

Arshan Dhillon: Jiri Prochazka

Alex Lough: Jessica Andrade

Knockout of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

Leon Edwards knockoutWith the mixed martial arts schedule largely coming to a close this week ahead of an end-of-year Bellator vs. Rizin event in Japan on New Year’s Eve, the sport has once again produced memorable, highlight-reel, and shocking knockout finishes over the course of the last year.  With countless finishes turned in across the world and […]

Leon Edwards knockout

With the mixed martial arts schedule largely coming to a close this week ahead of an end-of-year Bellator vs. Rizin event in Japan on New Year’s Eve, the sport has once again produced memorable, highlight-reel, and shocking knockout finishes over the course of the last year. 

With countless finishes turned in across the world and within the community of mixed martial arts – it seems the magnitude, consequences, and rallying factor of Leon Edwards’ August rematch KO of welterweight titleholder, Kamaru Usman has taken the forefront of people’s minds – and in particular, the LowKick MMA staff.

Knockout of the Year – Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards II – UFC 278 (10 votes)

Headlining UFC 278 back in August in Salt Lake City, Utah – Birmingham favorite, Edwards, in his first shot at gold under the banner of the promotion, turned in a spectacular fifth-round finish over the pound-for-pound number one, Usman.

Rematching the Auchi native following his initial December 2015 decision loss to his then-fellow contender, Edwards dropped three of the opening four rounds in the pair’s rematch, heading into the fifth and final frame. 

Backed by corner man, Dave Lovell to pursue Usman in a hail mary attempt in the final frame in a bid to turn the tide of a fight, Edwards sprung with a brutal left high kick attempt, flattening Usman to clinch the undisputed welterweight crown.

The victory snapped a promotional-perfect run of 16 straight Octagon victories for Usman, knocked him from the summit of the pound-for-pound listing, and ended his title run spanning three years and five fights. 

Expected to rematch next year, however, yet to be officially announced by the promotion amid rumors of a potential hand injury flare-up for Usman – Edwards is expected to headline UFC 286 on March 18. at The O2 Arena in London, England. 

Honorable Mentions 

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 274 (1 vote) 

Also gaining massive attention earlier this year back in May at UFC 274, former title challenger, Michael Chandler became the first fighter in mixed martial arts to score a KO win over former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – and in rather spectacular fashion.

Handing Ferguson his fourth consecutive defeat amid an ongoing losing skid, Chandler, a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, landed a brutal second round front kick knockout over Oxnard native Ferguson – sending the fan-favorite to the canvas in faceplanting fashion. Chandler would go on to suffer a submission loss to Dustin Poirier last month following the stunning KO triumph.

Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz – UFC San Diego (1 vote)

Continuing his rich-vein of form following a dominant win over fellow contender, Rob Font back in April — returning against former bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz in August — Marlon Vera battled back to lodge a stunning finish over the past titleholder.

Headlining UFC Fight Night San Diego against the home-town favorite, Vera walked Cruz onto a brutal left high-kick effort in the penultimate round of their main event clash, securing his fourth consecutive triumph in the process.

Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina – UFC London

Turning in two victories in London from three Octagon walks this year, Liverpool native, Molly McCann may have been a shoo-in for Knockout of the Year in her own right, prior to her compatriot, Edwards’ stoppage of Usman. 

Drawing Brazilian flyweight, Luana Carolina in the promotion’s first visit to the UK back in March of this year, McCann landed a stunning spinning back-elbow knockout win at The O2 Arena – before scaling the Octagon fence and plucking a UFC championship belt from the crowd. 

Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk II – UFC 285 

Another spinning finish, this time in June in Singapore – with current champion, Zhang Weili drawing former titleholder, Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the pair’s long-awaited strawweight title-eliminator rematch.

Sending the Polish sports icon and future Hall of Fame inductee into retirement, Weili, who took the opening round against Jedrzejczyk in Kallang, landed a stunning spinning back-fist knockout of the former champion.

Full List Of 2022 KO Of The Year Votes

Frank Bonada: Leon Edwards

Ross Markey: Leon Edwards

Murdo Todd: Leon Edwards

Patrick Post: Leon Edwards

Ian Shutts: Leon Edwards

Tim Wheaton: Leon Edwards

Arshan Dhillon: Leon Edwards

Ollie Brockett: Leon Edwards

Alex Lerman: Leon Edwards

Keelin McNamara: Leon Edwards

Marc Ray: Michael Chandler

Brady Ordway Briggs: Marlon Vera

Knockout of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

Leon Edwards knockoutWith the mixed martial arts schedule largely coming to a close this week ahead of an end-of-year Bellator vs. Rizin event in Japan on New Year’s Eve, the sport has once again produced memorable, highlight-reel, and shocking knockout finishes over the course of the last year.  With countless finishes turned in across the world and […]

Leon Edwards knockout

With the mixed martial arts schedule largely coming to a close this week ahead of an end-of-year Bellator vs. Rizin event in Japan on New Year’s Eve, the sport has once again produced memorable, highlight-reel, and shocking knockout finishes over the course of the last year. 

With countless finishes turned in across the world and within the community of mixed martial arts – it seems the magnitude, consequences, and rallying factor of Leon Edwards’ August rematch KO of welterweight titleholder, Kamaru Usman has taken the forefront of people’s minds – and in particular, the LowKick MMA staff.

Knockout of the Year – Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards II – UFC 278 (10 votes)

Headlining UFC 278 back in August in Salt Lake City, Utah – Birmingham favorite, Edwards, in his first shot at gold under the banner of the promotion, turned in a spectacular fifth-round finish over the pound-for-pound number one, Usman.

Rematching the Auchi native following his initial December 2015 decision loss to his then-fellow contender, Edwards dropped three of the opening four rounds in the pair’s rematch, heading into the fifth and final frame. 

Backed by corner man, Dave Lovell to pursue Usman in a hail mary attempt in the final frame in a bid to turn the tide of a fight, Edwards sprung with a brutal left high kick attempt, flattening Usman to clinch the undisputed welterweight crown.

The victory snapped a promotional-perfect run of 16 straight Octagon victories for Usman, knocked him from the summit of the pound-for-pound listing, and ended his title run spanning three years and five fights. 

Expected to rematch next year, however, yet to be officially announced by the promotion amid rumors of a potential hand injury flare-up for Usman – Edwards is expected to headline UFC 286 on March 18. at The O2 Arena in London, England. 

Honorable Mentions 

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 274 (1 vote) 

Also gaining massive attention earlier this year back in May at UFC 274, former title challenger, Michael Chandler became the first fighter in mixed martial arts to score a KO win over former interim titleholder, Tony Ferguson – and in rather spectacular fashion.

Handing Ferguson his fourth consecutive defeat amid an ongoing losing skid, Chandler, a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, landed a brutal second round front kick knockout over Oxnard native Ferguson – sending the fan-favorite to the canvas in faceplanting fashion. Chandler would go on to suffer a submission loss to Dustin Poirier last month following the stunning KO triumph.

Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz – UFC San Diego (1 vote)

Continuing his rich-vein of form following a dominant win over fellow contender, Rob Font back in April — returning against former bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz in August — Marlon Vera battled back to lodge a stunning finish over the past titleholder.

Headlining UFC Fight Night San Diego against the home-town favorite, Vera walked Cruz onto a brutal left high-kick effort in the penultimate round of their main event clash, securing his fourth consecutive triumph in the process.

Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina – UFC London

Turning in two victories in London from three Octagon walks this year, Liverpool native, Molly McCann may have been a shoo-in for Knockout of the Year in her own right, prior to her compatriot, Edwards’ stoppage of Usman. 

Drawing Brazilian flyweight, Luana Carolina in the promotion’s first visit to the UK back in March of this year, McCann landed a stunning spinning back-elbow knockout win at The O2 Arena – before scaling the Octagon fence and plucking a UFC championship belt from the crowd. 

Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk II – UFC 285 

Another spinning finish, this time in June in Singapore – with current champion, Zhang Weili drawing former titleholder, Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the pair’s long-awaited strawweight title-eliminator rematch.

Sending the Polish sports icon and future Hall of Fame inductee into retirement, Weili, who took the opening round against Jedrzejczyk in Kallang, landed a stunning spinning back-fist knockout of the former champion.

Full List Of 2022 KO Of The Year Votes

Frank Bonada: Leon Edwards

Ross Markey: Leon Edwards

Murdo Todd: Leon Edwards

Patrick Post: Leon Edwards

Ian Shutts: Leon Edwards

Tim Wheaton: Leon Edwards

Arshan Dhillon: Leon Edwards

Ollie Brockett: Leon Edwards

Alex Lerman: Leon Edwards

Keelin McNamara: Leon Edwards

Marc Ray: Michael Chandler

Brady Ordway Briggs: Marlon Vera