Former UFC featherweight competitor Godofredo Pepey has been taken into custody in Florida, where he faces a series of serious criminal charges, including felony kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize, and domestic battery by strangulation. He was also charged with tampering with/hindering communications and touch or strike battery related to domestic violence.
Under Florida state law, the charge of kidnapping with intent to terrorize carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison if a conviction is secured.
The 37-year-old Brazilian athlete is currently being held without bond due to an immigration hold. This status indicates that he is subject to detention by immigration authorities and could face deportation from the United States. Although bail was reportedly set at $120,000, the immigration hold prevents his release from custody at this time.
In the wake of news regarding his arrest, Pepey`s wife, Samara Mello, published a statement on social media. Identifying herself as a survivor of domestic violence, Mello addressed the allegations involving her husband and spoke openly about domestic violence within the sports world, highlighting its status as a difficult and often unspoken issue in the combat sports community. She noted that abuse manifests in various forms – physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and financial – and emphasized that none are acceptable. Mello stated her gratitude for having survived and her commitment to helping other women, stressing that domestic violence affects entire communities and must be abolished rather than merely addressed as a problem.
Godofredo Pepey`s last appearance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship was in 2018. He compiled a promotional record of 5 wins and 6 losses before his contract was not renewed following consecutive defeats. Since his departure from the UFC, he has competed only three additional times, with his most recent bout resulting in a loss for Ares FC in 2022.
