Ex-UFC Fighter Arrested For Kidnapping And Domestic Violence

Former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey has been arrested on numerous charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence, resulting in a strong reaction from MMA fans.

According to reports, Pepey could face potential deportation from the United States. He has been arrested on four charges, as outlined below:

Charges

Kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize victim

Domestic battery by strangulation

Tampering with/hindering/delaying with communications

Touch or strike battery/domestic violence

Pepey’s bail has been set at $120,000, as his wife (Samara Mello) has addressed the situation.

Reaction

"My name is Samara Mello, I’m the wife of Godofredo Pepey, and I’m also a domestic violence survivor. 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," Samara Mello said

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