Former UFC featherweight fighter Godofredo “Pepey” Castro was found dead in a Florida jail at the age of 38. Officials say he was discovered unresponsive in his cell at the Broward Sheriff’s Office main jail in Fort Lauderdale during a routine check in the evening. Emergency responders rushed him to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died. Authorities have indicated that no foul play is suspected, and the official cause of death is still pending. Castro had been in custody since late June, facing multiple domestic violence charges, including kidnapping, battery, and strangulation, with court proceedings ongoing at the time of his death.Castro’s passing has sent ripples through the MMA community. Fans and former teammates have expressed their grief on social media, remembering both his achievements in the octagon and his struggles outside it. The circumstances surrounding his final days have sparked renewed conversations about mental health support for professional fighters.
Godofredo “Pepey” Castro’s cause of death
The 38-year-old ex-UFC fighter was found with a sheet around his neck while jail deputies conducted routine checks. Jail staff performed life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived. The Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the cause of death is under investigation, with no foul play suspected. Castro’s former TUF Brazil teammate, Rony Mariano Bezerra, posted on social media: “Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle the pressure and ended up taking his own life, may this serve as an example. Fighters can be very strong physically, but if their mind is unstable, they can end up committing an act like this.” He added, “Very sad to lose this great partner, an unparalleled guy. A partner, a friend, a brother. Wherever you are, may God bless you. I love you brother.”
Godofredo “Pepey” Castro’s life, career and family
Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, Castro competed 11 times in the UFC from 2012 to 2018 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, Season 1. He went 5-6 in the UFC with three performance bonuses and 13-7 overall as a professional. He achieved notable wins over fighters like Andre Fili, Noad Lahat, Dashon Johnson, Milton Vieira, and Mike De La Torre. After leaving the UFC in 2018, he fought three more times, with his final bout in 2022 under the ARES FC banner.Castro’s legal troubles began in June 2025 when he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife, Samara Mello. Police reported that the incident involved physical violence, including strangulation and repeated attacks. Castro pleaded not guilty, and the case remained pending. Samara Mello later shared her story in a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting her survival and calling attention to domestic violence in the sports world.Also Read: IOC set to ban transgender women from all female events at LA 2028 amid fairness debate
