Former UFC Veteran Godofredo Pepey in Legal Trouble After Florida Incident: Report
Life after professional fighting can be unpredictable, but for one former UFC veteran, it's taken a troubling turn. Once a contender under the spotlight of international MMA, the ex-fighter now finds himself at the center of a serious legal battle. This week, reports surfaced out of Florida detailing an incident that could have long-term consequences both personally and legally.
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Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, better known in the MMA world as Godofredo Pepey, was arrested on June 30 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The 38-year-old Brazilian, once a runner-up on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, is facing a series of disturbing charges stemming from an alleged assault on his wife, Samara Mello.
Dana WhiteGetty Images
According to reports from Combate, Pepey allegedly struck her, caused visible injuries, destroyed household property, and then prevented her from contacting authorities. He is accused of locking her inside their home.
Pepey was taken into custody after concerned neighbors alerted law enforcement. His bail has been set at $120,000, but even if paid, the former UFC featherweight may face deportation due to immigration procedures.
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Godofredo PepeyGetty Images
The charges include kidnapping with bodily injury, domestic battery by strangulation, and interference with communication to law enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the state of Florida.
Samara is currently receiving support from the Fighting Foundation, a non-profit founded by Rose Gracie aimed at helping fighters and their families with resources in mental health and crisis recovery.
Once an athlete with 11 UFC appearances and a TUF legacy, Pepey's post-fight life has now taken a much darker path. While UFC President Dana White and the promotion have yet to comment publicly on the matter, the incident casts a shadow over the legacy of fighters who once represented the organization.
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Related: UFC Faces Pressure as Ilia Topuria's Next Opponent Narrowed to 3 Possibilities
Related: Tom Aspinall Has a Ruthless Goal—And It Involves the Entire Heavyweight Top 10
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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