Former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter, Brazilian Godofredo Pepey died in a jail in the United States on Sunday (9), under circumstances not yet disclosed.
Born in Fortaleza, the 38-year-old man from Ceará had been detained since June, after attacking his wife, Samara Mello.
Pepey’s death was reported in a post on social media by Samara’s lawyer, Gaudênio Santiago.
According to the lawyer, Pepey’s wife began to be attacked through messages on social media, which were blaming her for the fighter’s death in the custody of American authorities.
“Samara is not only the victim of a domestic violence lawsuit that resulted in Pepey’s arrest, but she is now facing the emotional impact of the athlete’s death,” said Santiago.
He added that Samara is the only person officially recognized by the authorities to handle the release of the fighter’s body to Brazil.
Pepey was a finalist in the first edition of the reality show TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) Brazil, in 2012, which was looking for new talents to join the UFC.
Even though he lost the show’s decision in the featherweight category to Rony Jason, he ended up being hired for Dana White’s event.
In the UFC, he had 11 fights, with six losses and five wins.
He also accumulated stints in events such as Brave and RCC (Russian Cagefighting Championship).
In 2024, he ran for Fortaleza councilor with the Republicans, but received only 77 votes and was not elected.
In June, Pepey was arrested in Deerfield Beach, Florida, accused of domestic violence against his wife.
