Why was Godofredo Pepey in jail? Details explored as former UFC star found dead in prison

Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC star Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his jail cell. According to a report by the New York Post, the cause of his death is said to be suicide. On November 8, the detention deputy on duty in the prison found that Pepey was unresponsive. A sheet was wrapped around his neck when he was recovered from his cell.

Jail authorities did everything they could at the moment, after which he was taken to the Broward Health Medical Center. The 38-year-old mixed martial artist was declared dead, although there seems to be no instance of foul play.

In June 2025, Pepey was taken to prison in June 2025 following charges of domestic abuse. Besides that, the other charges included battery, manipulating the witness, abduction, and strangulation. Official reports stated that Godofredo Pepey became violent towards his wife, Samara Mello, due to a jealousy issue.

The new outlet mentions that he tried to choke his wife, due to which she became unconscious many times. She also told police officials that Pepey hit her head against the ground. The former UFC star denied the claims.

Rony Jason, an MMA fighter, shared the news of Godofredo Pepey’s death in a social media post where the former wrote:

“Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle the pressure and ended up taking his own life, may this serve as an example. Fighters can be very strong physically, but if their mind is unstable, they can end up committing an act like this. Very sad to lose this great partner, an unparalleled guy. A partner, a friend, a brother. Wherever you are, may God bless you. I love you brother.”

Samara Mello’s legal representative, Gaudenio Santiag,o shares statement in wake of Godofredo Pepey’s death

Following the news of Godofredo Pepey’s death, his wife’s lawyer, Gaudenio Santiago, said that everyone should respect the privacy of the family. He urged everyone not to spread misleading comments and statements about the incident. Santiago also said:

“There are procedures that must be followed by the American authorities, and any and all news will be released by those authorities.”

His statement went on:

“The death of someone in custody is a serious matter.”

In an old interview with UFC, Godofredo Pepey reflected on his fight with Brazilian MMA Marcos Vinicius Vina during one of the matches of TUF Brazil. He praised Vina, saying:

“It was very hard. Vina worked well on the ground and pound, but I was focused on submitting him. I try to go where my opponent is weak, and I think my jiu-jitsu is much better than his. I believed it and I knew how to use that. For those who think I can’t trade, I’m a Muay Thai black belt as well.”

Godofredo Pepey had also shared that when he was 14, he began learning jiu-jitsu from his brother, Godofredo Claude, who showed him the basics before he joined a gym. He later earned a black belt with the MG team and won many jiu-jitsu titles. He said he utilized his jiu-jitsu skills in MMA fights but was also proficient in standing combat, having trained extensively in Muay Thai.

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