After a video of UFC fighter Jeff Molina engaging in sex acts on another guy was posted on social media earlier this week, Molina came out as gay.
The 25-year-old who posted an emotional message after the leak, saying he was stripped of the opportunity to disclose he is bisexual the way he wanted.
His statements reads:
“Not the way I wanted to do this but the chance to do it when I was ready was taken from me.
“I’ve tried to keep my dating life private from social media. I’ve dated girls my whole life and suppressed feelings I had throughout high school being on the wrestling team, throughout college pursuing MMA, and even after making part of the dream happen and getting into the UFC.
“The thought of my buddies, teammates and people I look up to looking at me different let alone treating me different for something I can’t control was something I couldn’t fathom.”
He also said that he was not planning to come out during his career, adding he wanted to be known for his skills rather than being the “’bi UFC fighter”.
Molina, 11-2 so far in his career and 3-0 in UFC, has previously shown support for the LGBTQ+ community, wearing the Pride Month shorts for his fight in June 2022. He’s currently suspended for his alleged role in a betting scheme.
Molina’s announcement makes him the first openly LGBTQ+ male member of the UFC.
