Former UFC competitor Godofredo Pepey is currently being held in custody in Florida after being arrested on a range of charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence. The 37-year-old Brazilian national is also subject to an immigration hold, raising the possibility of deportation from the United States.
Details from online court records reveal Pepey faces four distinct accusations. Among these is a felony charge of kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, an offense that could potentially result in a life sentence under Florida statutes if he is found guilty. Additional charges include domestic battery by strangulation, interfering with communication, and simple domestic violence battery.
Despite bail being set at $120,000, Pepey will not be released from custody at this time due to the immigration hold.
Following the news of his arrest, Pepey`s wife, Samara Mello, posted a statement on social media addressing the allegations 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. “I want to say what many will never: domestic violence is real in the sports world, and it’s still a taboo that few have the courage to mention in the combat sports community. We can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. Domestic violence comes in many different forms: physical, emotional, mental, sexual and financial, and none of them is acceptable.”
She continued, highlighting her recovery and dedication to helping other women. “Today, I’m getting myself back up and I’m incredibly thankful for having survived to be able to now make the difference in other women’s lives. When the violence happens inside your home it doesn’t only destroy one family, it impacts the entire community. We need to stop treating that as a secret. It’s in silence that violence grows… This is not a problem to be treated, it needs to be abolished.”
Godofredo Pepey`s last fight in the UFC was in 2018, after which the promotion did not renew his contract following two consecutive defeats. His overall UFC record stands at 5-6. Since leaving the UFC, Pepey has competed only three times, with his most recent bout being a loss in 2022.
