UFC fighter Jeff Molina recently came out as bisexual after a private and intimate video of him with another man was leaked across social media. In a heartfelt statement on Twitter, Molina expressed that the chance to come out on his own terms was taken away from him. He also opened up about his struggles with suppressing his feelings throughout his career, fearing that his buddies, teammates, and peers would treat him differently for something he couldn’t control.
Molina further admitted that he never thought he would come out during this part of his career, believing that the majority of MMA fans were homophobic. He wanted to be known for his skills and dedication, not as the “bi UFC fighter” that would be translated to “gay UFC fighter.” However, despite the unfortunate circumstances, Molina has now become the UFC’s first male openly LGBTQ+ fighter.
Before coming out as bisexual, Molina had used his platform to support and defend the LGBTQ+ community. He celebrated the beginning of Pride Month last June by showcasing his custom-made LGBTQ+ inclusive uniform, which garnered negative responses from bigoted fans. However, Molina expertly shut down the anti-LGBTQ+ hate during his post-fight interview, emphasizing the importance of being a decent human being.
Molina’s brave coming out story sheds light on the ugly side of homophobia in MMA and serves as an inspiration to others who may be struggling with their sexual orientation. His announcement received an outpouring of support from fans and industry peers, who lauded him for his bravery and encouraged him to keep fighting and winning.
It is vital to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports, and Molina’s story serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in fighting against homophobia and discrimination.