Former UFC fighter Godofredo “Pepey” Castro has been found dead in a Florida prison at the age of 38. The Brazilian mixed martial artist, once known for his unpredictable fighting style and high-flying kicks inside the Octagon, was discovered unresponsive during a routine check at the Broward Sheriff’s Office main jail in Fort Lauderdale.
Authorities say the death is being treated as an apparent suicide, though the official cause is still pending. No foul play is suspected, according to local reports.
How Godofredo ‘Pepey’ Castro died
Deputies reportedly found Castro unresponsive during a standard cell check at the Broward County main jail. Emergency medical staff rushed him to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
A spokesperson for the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Castro was found with a sheet tied around his neck, as first reported by MMA Junkie. Sources told TMZ Sports that the incident occurred late Sunday night.
Authorities have launched an internal review into the circumstances surrounding his death, a standard protocol for all in-custody fatalities.
Who was Godofredo ‘Pepey’ Castro?
Godofredo Castro, widely known by his nickname “Pepey,” was born in Fortaleza, Brazil, and rose to prominence through The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil in 2012.
- Career highlights: Pepey fought 11 times in the UFC between 2012 and 2017, earning a reputation for his flamboyant fighting style, including flying knees and spinning kicks.
- Record: He ended his UFC career with a 5–6 record and went 13–7 overall as a professional mixed martial artist.
- Final fight: His last professional bout took place in February 2022, well after leaving the UFC.
Despite flashes of brilliance in the octagon, Pepey’s career never fully recovered from inconsistent performances and frequent injuries.
Why was the former UFC fighter in prison?
Castro was arrested on June 30, 2025, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on multiple domestic violence charges.
According to a Broward County police report, the charges included:
- Kidnapping
- Domestic violence by strangulation
- Witness tampering
- Battery
Investigators alleged that Castro assaulted his wife during an argument reportedly fueled by jealousy.
Police say Castro dragged his wife by her hair back into their home, choked her until she lost consciousness multiple times, and “smashed her head into the ground repeatedly.” Officers documented visible injuries, including facial trauma and redness around her neck.
Castro pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his case remained ongoing at the time of his death.
Legal and family responses following his death
Attorney Gaudenio Santiago, who represented Castro’s wife, urged restraint in the aftermath of the incident.
In a statement to Brazilian media, he said:
“The death of someone in custody is a serious matter. We ask for respect for the family and urge people to avoid malicious comments and speculation, so as not to cause further suffering.”
No additional statements have been made by Castro’s family or legal representatives as of now.
A deeper issue: rising suicide concerns in U.S. prisons
Castro’s death highlights a growing concern over suicides and mental health management inside U.S. jails. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among inmates, with rates significantly higher than in the general population.
Experts have repeatedly called for increased mental health screening, staff training, and monitoring, especially for inmates facing violent crime charges or long-term confinement.
What happens next
Authorities will conduct a full medical examination to determine the official cause of death. The Broward Sheriff’s Office will also perform an internal review — a standard step in all in-custody deaths, while awaiting results from the medical examiner’s office.
The Brazilian MMA community has reacted with shock and sadness. Former training partners have posted tributes remembering Pepey as “a talented fighter who lost his way.”
If you or someone you know needs help
Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of fame or background.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
- In the U.S.: Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- In Brazil: Contact CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida) at 188 or visit cvv.org.br for free, confidential support.
TL;DR
- Former UFC fighter Godofredo “Pepey” Castro, 38, was found dead in a Florida prison.
- Authorities suspect suicide, though an investigation is ongoing.
- Castro was jailed since June 2025 on domestic violence and kidnapping charges.
- He had pleaded not guilty, and his case was pending trial.
- His death adds to the rising concern about mental health in U.S. prisons.
