Former UFC fighter Rodrigo de Lima killed in ‘hit-and-run’ collision
Police in Brazil are currently searching for Jefferson Roger Maciel, who is accused of running over and killing former UFC fighter Rodrigo de Lima with a vehicle, on Sunday night.
The professional mixed martial artist allegedly left his car during an argument with ride-share driver Jefferson Roger Maciel, who hit de Lima from behind before driving away, authorities told ESPN.
UFC welterweight and longtime friend Michel Prazeras told MMA Fighting that de Lima was in the car with friends when he and the driver got into an argument.
Prazeras claims de Lima got out of the car he was riding in and argued with the ride-share driver at a gas station.
That’s when Maciel allegedly ran over de Lima from behind after the argument seemed to be over. Prazeras states that Maciel then drove away from the scene. De Lima died at the scene.
He was married and had two children. He last competed at Shooto Brazil 85 in June 2018 where he picked up a submission win. He twice competed for the UFC, losing to Neil Magny and Efrain Escudero.
