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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his prison cell in Florida on Saturday evening after an apparent suicide, police said. He was 38.
The Brazilian fighter, who was in custody in connection with a domestic violence case, was found “unresponsive” just before 9 p.m. 20 by a detention officer conducting a routine check, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Pakinomist Digital.
Godofredo Pepey (red gloves) reacts after defeating Andre Fili during UFC Fight Night at Ginasio do Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 21, 2015. (Jason Silva/USA TODAY Sports)
Detectives said prison staff removed “a sheet” from his neck and immediately began performing life-saving measures. Pepey was transferred to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died.
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Detectives said foul play was not suspected and his death is being investigated as an apparent suicide. His official cause of death is pending the medical examiner’s report.
Pepey, whose real name is Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, was arrested on domestic violence charges and held without bond following his arrest in June. According to online records, he faced four charges, including three counts of kidnapping, tampering with a victim and battery.
(L-R) Godofredo Pepey of Brazil beats Shane Burgos in their featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on July 22, 2017. (Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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He also faced an additional misdemeanor battery charge. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident involved the UFC fighter and his wife and reportedly stemmed from a “jealousy issue,” the New York Post reported, citing a police report. He was accused of pulling her hair and choking her until she lost consciousness several times.
Godofredo Pepey during weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on July 22, 2016. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports)
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According to the report, the attack left his wife with visible injuries on her face and neck.
Pepey went 5-6 in his UFC career, which spanned from 2012 to 2018. He last fought professionally in 2022.
