
Godofredo Pepey, former UFC fighter, arrested on kidnapping, domestic violence charges
Brazilian mixed martial artist Godofredo Pepey has been arrested on multiple charges including kidnapping and domestic violence.
The 38-year-old Brazilian, who fought in the UFC 11 times after a stint on the Ultimate Fighter Brazil, was taken into custody in Florida.
Following news of his arrest, Pepey’s wife posted a statement on Instagram addressing the allegations him.
“My name is Samara Mello, I’m the wife of Godofredo Pepey, and I’m also a domestic violence survivor,” she wrote on Instagram. “I want to say what many will never: domestic violence is real in the sports world, and it’s still a taboo that few have the courage to mention in the combat sports community. We can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. Domestic violence comes in many different forms: physical, emotional, mental, sexual and financial, and none of them is acceptable.
“Today, I’m getting myself back up and I’m incredibly thankful for having survived to be able to now make the difference in other women’s lives. When the violence happens inside your home it doesn’t only destroy one family, it impacts the entire community. We need to stop ‘treating that as a secret.
It’s in silence that violence grows. I hope the authorities in Brazil and the world understand that the blood in my face and my body drips on the hands of those who still sees femicide as a statistic and don’t do enough to change that. The next generations depend on our decisions now. This is not a problem to be treated, it needs to be abolished. I’m thankful to the fight community and for the support or organizations led by Rose Gracie, who takes it seriously and supports those who think there’s no way out.”
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Godofredo Pepey was also charged with domestic battery by strangulation, tampering with/hindering/delaying with communications and touch or strike battery/domestic violence.