Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey is currently being held in custody in Florida following his arrest on multiple charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence.
The 37-year-old Brazilian is also subject to an immigration hold, which could potentially lead to his deportation from the U.S.
Pepey faces four distinct charges. These include kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize, a felony under Florida law that could result in a life sentence upon conviction.
Additional charges include domestic battery by strangulation, interfering with communications, and battery classified as domestic violence (touch or strike).
Although bail has been set at $120,000, the immigration hold means Pepey will not be released from custody at this time.
After the news of his arrest broke, Pepey`s wife released a statement addressing the accusations against the fighter with 22 professional bouts.
“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.
“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. I hope the authorities in Brazil and the world understand that the blood in my face and my body drips on the hands of those who still sees femicide as a statistic and don’t do enough to change that. The next generations depend on our decisions now. This is not a problem to be treated, it needs to be abolished. I’m thankful to the fight community and for the support or organizations led by Rose Gracie, who takes it seriously and supports those who think there’s no way out.”
Pepey`s last UFC fight was in 2018, after which the promotion chose not to renew his contract following consecutive defeats. His total record within the UFC was 5-6. Since leaving the UFC, he has competed only three times, with his most recent bout being a loss at Ares FC in 2022.
Marcus Blakely