The Tragic End: 5 Former UFC Fighters Who Died Recently, Including Two Shocking 2025 Passings

The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is reeling once again from the loss of its former competitors. As of December 25, 2025, the community is grappling with the recent, tragic deaths of several athletes who once graced the Octagon, with two high-profile and shocking passings occurring in late 2025 alone. These incidents—one a suspected targeted attack and the other a death in custody—cast a somber shadow over the sport, reminding fans and fighters of the fragile nature of life outside the cage. The stories of these former UFC stars are as varied and complex as their fighting careers. From a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who found himself facing serious criminal charges, to an Australian coach and fighter who survived one attempt on his life only to fall victim to another, the circumstances surrounding their final moments are a stark reminder that the battles fought outside the arena can be the most dangerous.

Recent Tragedies: Biographies of Fallen UFC Veterans (2024-2025)

The past two years have seen the MMA community mourn the loss of several respected figures. The following list focuses on the most recent, high-profile deaths that have shocked the sport, providing a brief biography of each fighter.

Godofredo "Pepey" Castro

• Full Name: Godofredo Castro de Oliveira
• Nickname: Pepey
• Born: July 2, 1987, in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Died: November 9, 2025
• Age at Death: 38
• UFC Career: Featherweight competitor; a finalist on the first season of *The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil*. Known for his exciting, submission-heavy style.
• MMA Record: 14 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw.
• Cause of Death: Apparent suicide while in a Florida jail cell.

Suman Mokhtarian

• Full Name: Suman Mokhtarian
• Born: Circa 1992 (Age 33 at death)
• Died: October 2025
• Age at Death: 33
• UFC Career: Featherweight competitor; fought once in the UFC in 2018.
• Post-UFC Career: Highly respected MMA coach in Sydney, Australia, running the Gorrilla MMA gym.
• MMA Record: 8 wins, 2 losses.
• Cause of Death: Shot dead in a suspected targeted attack.

Geane Herrera

• Full Name: Geane Carlos Herrera
• Born: August 27, 1987, in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
• Died: May 2024
• Age at Death: 33
• UFC Career: Flyweight competitor; fought four times in the UFC between 2015 and 2016.
• MMA Record: 10 wins, 3 losses.
• Cause of Death: Died in a motorcycle accident.

The Shocking Death of Godofredo 'Pepey' Castro in Custody

The news of Godofredo "Pepey" Castro's passing in November 2025 sent shockwaves through the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA communities. The former *Ultimate Fighter: Brazil* star was found dead in his Florida jail cell, with authorities treating the incident as an apparent suicide. The circumstances leading to his incarceration were themselves deeply troubling and a stark contrast to his public fighting persona. Pepey, a fighter known for his explosive stand-up and dangerous submission skills, was arrested on serious domestic violence charges. These charges reportedly included kidnapping, strangulation, witness tampering, and aggravated battery, painting a dark picture of his life outside the Octagon. His death at 38, while awaiting trial on these serious offenses, brings a tragic conclusion to a career that once held so much promise. The tragic passing of the Brazilian MMA fighter highlights the severe mental health and legal struggles that can plague athletes, even after their competitive careers have ended. The investigation into the exact details of his death is ongoing, but the initial findings of apparent suicide underscore the need for greater support systems for athletes transitioning out of the high-pressure world of professional fighting.

Targeted Killing: The Unsettling End of Suman Mokhtarian

Perhaps the most unsettling recent death is that of Suman Mokhtarian, the former UFC fighter and highly-regarded MMA coach. Mokhtarian was shot dead in October 2025 while on an evening walk in Riverstone, Sydney, in what police immediately labeled a "targeted attack." This incident was not an isolated event; reports indicate that the Australian MMA coach had survived a previous assassination attempt in February 2024. Mokhtarian, who was only 33, was a respected figure who ran a successful fighting gym, Gorrilla MMA. The nature of his death—gunned down on a suburban street—points to a life entangled in dangers far removed from the controlled environment of a professional cage fight. The suspected gang-related nature of the shooting has led to a major homicide investigation by the New South Wales Police. The targeted attack on the former UFC featherweight has deeply affected the Australian fighting scene. Tributes poured in from former colleagues and students, emphasizing his dedication to the sport and his role as a mentor. His passing serves as a chilling example of how the personal and professional lives of athletes can intersect with serious, non-sport-related violence.

The Broader Context of MMA Fighter Deaths

While the deaths of Mokhtarian and Castro are the most recent and shocking, they are part of a broader, somber list of former UFC and MMA fighters who have passed away prematurely. The causes are diverse, ranging from accidents and natural causes to violence and self-inflicted harm. The passing of Geane Herrera in May 2024 due to a motorcycle accident at the young age of 33 was another painful reminder of the fragility of life. Herrera was a talented flyweight who competed against some of the best in his division. His death, like that of other young athletes, prompts reflection on the risks and lifestyle choices that follow a high-octane career. It is also important to remember the pioneers of the sport, such as Darrell Gholar, a UFC 18 veteran who passed away in 2025, and Art Jimmerson, who competed at the very first UFC event and passed in 2024. These athletes laid the groundwork for the sport's success. The frequent appearance of news reports about former UFC fighters passing away highlights a critical need for the MMA world to address the long-term well-being of its athletes. Whether the cause is a tragic accident, mental health struggles, or external violence, the community must continue to provide resources to help these veterans navigate the complex transition from the spotlight of the Octagon to life as a private citizen. The legacies of "Pepey," Mokhtarian, and other fallen fighters will forever be a part of the sport's history, their stories a powerful cautionary tale about the battles that continue long after the final bell.

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