Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitor Godofredo Pepey is currently in custody following his arrest in Florida on numerous charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence.
The 37-year-old Brazilian national is also subject to an immigration hold, which could potentially lead to his deportation from the United States.
Online court documents reveal that Pepey faces four distinct charges. Among these is kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim. Under Florida law, this felony offense carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
Additional charges include domestic battery by strangulation, tampering with/hindering/delaying communications, and touch or strike battery related to domestic violence.
Although bail was set at $120,000, Pepey remains detained due to the standing immigration hold preventing his release.
In the wake of the arrest news, Pepey’s wife posted a statement on Instagram addressing the accusations leveled against the veteran fighter.
“My name is Samara Mello, I’m the wife of Godofredo Pepey, and I’m also a domestic violence survivor,” Mello wrote on social media. “I want to state openly what many are afraid to: domestic violence exists within the sports world, and it remains a sensitive subject few dare to discuss in the combat sports community. We cannot afford to ignore it. Domestic violence manifests in various ways: physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and financial, and none of these forms are permissible.”
She continued, “Today, I am rebuilding my life and I am profoundly grateful to have survived so I can now contribute to making a difference in the lives of other women. When violence occurs within the home, it doesn’t merely shatter one family; it impacts the entire community. We must cease treating this issue as a secret. Violence thrives in silence. I hope authorities in Brazil and worldwide recognize that the bruises on my face and body are a direct consequence of those who still view femicide as a mere statistic and fail to act decisively. Future generations depend on the decisions we make now. This is not a problem to be managed; it needs to be eradicated. I appreciate the support from the fight community and organizations like those led by Rose Gracie, who take this seriously and assist those who feel trapped.”
Pepey`s last appearance in the UFC was in 2018, after the promotion chose not to renew his contract following two consecutive defeats. He compiled a record of 5 wins and 6 losses during his tenure with the organization. Since his departure from the UFC, Pepey has competed professionally just three times, with his most recent bout being a loss at an Ares FC event in 2022.
