Fighter Godofredo Pepey, who was a Brazilian MMA fighter nd gained fame through his UFC participation, was found dead in a prison in Florida on November 9, 2025. The 38-year-old sportsman, originally named Godofredo Castro, was found in his jail cell at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale.
The prison staff tried to revive him before he was taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The authorities have said that the investigation is still going on, but they do not think that any crime was involved. The incident has not only caused shock in the sports world but also in the Brazilian community, and many people have started paying tribute to him through social networks.
Ex-UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey found dead in Florida prison.
What Were The Circumstances Of His Arrest?
Pepey was sentenced to jail time from June 2025 until his death. His charges were severe and included kidnapping, battery, domestic violence by strangulation, and witness tampering.
According to the court files, he had entered a not guilty plea and was waiting for the trial. It is said that his legal problems were a result of a domestic dispute incident that took place earlier that year.
Although the details of the case were still coming out, it was reportedly having a very bad impact on his personal life and mental health. His death is a clear indication of the psychological burdens that athletes have to battle with after leaving the competitive arena.
How Did The Incident Occur?
Official reports indicate that during their normal checking of the inmates, the correctional officers found Pepey unresponsive. He had a bedsheet around his neck, which pointed to suicide as a possible reason. The emergency personnel tried to resuscitate him, but he was soon declared dead at the hospital.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office announced that an autopsy would reveal the official cause of death. The investigators have excluded foul play but are taking steps to review the jail procedures internally. The incident of his death has opened up a new debate about the need for providing mental-health resources and the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures in the U.S. prisons.
Officers found Pepey with a sheet around his neck, suggesting suicide.
What Was His Career Like In The UFC?
Godofredo Pepey first came into the limelight in 2012 when he participated in The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. With his great fighting style and aerial techniques, he was in the UFC featherweight division for five years. His career stats were 13 wins and 7 losses, most of which were highlight-reel knockouts.
In particular, his flying-knee knockout of Noad Lahat and submission of Andre Fili brought him the two “Performance of the Night” bonuses. After leaving the UFC in 2017, Pepey kept fighting in various promotions in Brazil and South America.
His last fight was professional in February 2022. Even though he was no longer in the international limelight, he was still considered a true fighter and an entertaining one by the fans for his qualities in the cage and his stamina.
How Has The MMA Community Reacted?
The MMA community was in utter disbelief and mourning when Godofredo Pepey passed away. Social media was flooded with posts from fighters, trainers, and fans who wanted to keep his memory alive. Brazilian fighter Rony Jason said, “It is very difficult for fighters, appearing so strong outside, while so many are suffering inside.”
Some even mentioned that the time has come for mental-health issues to be openly addressed and for retired sportsmen to receive the needed support. The UFC has not given an official response yet; nevertheless, it is still in circulation the admiration for Pepey that is typical of Brazilian fighters’ passion and sportsmanship.
What Does The Godofredo Pepey Death Highlight?
The death of Godofredo Pepey in the prison cell is a sad reminder of the bitter truth that an athlete’s well-being is a major concern, and the transition to normal life after the end of a professional career is a big challenge.
Financial problems, issues with mental health and lack of professional psychological help are the most frequent problems former fighters’ careers end up with. The case of Pepey also calls for immediate measures to be taken for better suicide prevention programs in prisons.
Even though he is no more, his reputation as a fighter is still intact, and he is forever remembered as part of Brazil’s MMA history. The inquiry into his death is still ongoing, and the autopsy results are anticipated to come out in a few weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was Godofredo Pepey found dead?
The 9th of November 2025 is the date when Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his Florida jail cell.
Q2. What was the cause of death?
The officers think it was suicide, but the official cause will be revealed after an autopsy.
Q3. Why was Godofredo Pepey in prison?
He was charged with kidnapping, battery, strangulation in domestic violence, and tampering with a witness.
Q4. What was his UFC record?
He participated in 11 bouts in the UFC; thus, the total of his career wins and losses is 13 and 7, respectively.
Q5. How has the MMA world reacted?
The reaction from fighters and fans was grief to the death of the former fighter and a demand for better mental-health support in the sport.
