After a video of him and another man engaging in oral sex leaked onto the Internet, UFC fighter Jeff Molina came out as bisexual via an emotional Twitter message. Moreover, he lamented the fact he couldn't choose when or if he wanted to share his truth with the world. However, his unfortunately forced statement makes him the first openly LGBTQIA+ male member of the UFC. Not only that, but the response from the community is accepting on one hand, yet bigoted on another.
"Not the way I wanted to do this," his message began. "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 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.
Jeff Molina Comes Out As Bisexual After Video Leak
Furthermore, Molina was also criticized for wearing pants with a pride flag on them in matches during Pride Month. Moreover, he's currently 11-2 and 3-0 in the UFC, though he's currently suspended for allegedly participating in a betting scheme. As such, many people criticizing him for that are making a distinction between his actions that require accountability and his personal life, which does not deserve the onslaught it's received.
"To the awful disturbed person that decided to post this ishh," he included in his message. "I hope it was worth it. 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***ted on I'm getting an equal amount of support & it means a f**k ton." Hopefully the community can support him in this journey and make that important distinction when his name is brought up. Regardless, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest from the MMA world and Jeff Molina.