Godofredo Pepey, a finalist on Season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil and an 11-fight UFC vet, was found dead in his jail cell last weekend.
The 38-year-old was confirmed dead shortly after being found unresponsive and alone in his cell, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a statement to MMA Fighting this week. While an official ruling on the cause of death hasn’t been given, authorities say they are investigating “an apparent suicide.”
Pepey was awaiting trial after getting hit with numerous serious charges earlier this year, including domestic violence and kidnapping. Since he was being held by immigration officials, Pepey wasn’t allowed to leave custody following his arrest. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Pepey arrived on the international MMA scene in 2012, when he appeared on the first-ever spinoff season of The Ultimate Fighter. While he lost to Rony Jason in the tournament’s featherweight finals, he ended up staying on the UFC roster following the defeat.
Pepey recorded five wins through 11 UFC appearances, including a performance over Andre Fili. He departed the promotion in 2018 following back-to-back losses.
The Brazilian fighter last competed back in 2022, losing to rising French star Abdoul Abdouraguimov via first-round submission.
