UFC flyweight Jeff Molina has been forced to come out of the closet as bisexual after a video of him performing oral sex on another man leaked online. This also makes Molina the first male fighter in the UFC to come out as part of the rainbow mafia.
via TMZ:
The 25-year-old shared an emotional statement to Twitter on Friday ... saying, "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," Molina continued. "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 ppl 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."
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.
Molina -- who's currently suspended for his alleged role in a betting scheme -- said 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' that I'm sure would just be translated to 'gay UFC fighter.'"
Molina's announcement makes him the first openly LGBTQ+ male member of the UFC.
"At the end of the day I know my character, morals, and who I am as a person. As much as I'm getting hated/s****** on I'm getting an equal amount of support & it means a f*** ton."
It's sad that in 2023 we still have people who feel the only way they can come out is if they're forced out of the closet.
It's also insane that athletes or entertainers in general can't be their authentic selves out of fear that their careers will be over.
I was particularly taken aback over him saying that he was going to wait until his MMA career was over to come out. People need to realize that members of the LGBT aren't all hair and makeup artists, work in fashion and dress in drag.
Some are even athletes.
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