Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey was found dead in his Florida jail cell on Saturday night, and police are treating it as an apparent suicide. He was just 38 years old.
Peppey, a Brazilian national, was awaiting trial for a domestic violence incident. A detention officer discovered him unresponsive during a routine check shortly before 8 p.m., as confirmed by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Prison staff promptly removed a sheet from his neck and initiated life-saving measures, but he was later pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center.
Authorities do not suspect foul play and are currently investigating the death as a suicide. The official cause of death, however, will be determined after the coroner’s findings.
Peppey, whose full name was Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, was arrested in June on domestic violence charges. He was held without bail and faced multiple charges, including kidnapping, criminal mischief, and battery. Records indicate he has pleaded not guilty to these allegations.
The case involved an incident with his wife, reportedly spurred by jealousy. Accusations against him include dragging her by the hair and choking her until she lost consciousness, which left her with visible injuries.
During his UFC career, which lasted from 2012 to 2018, Peppey had a record of 5-6 and last fought professionally in 2022.
