UFC
Former UFC Fighter Livinha Souza Arrested in Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

In a shocking turn of events, former UFC fighter Livinha Souza has been arrested in Brazil on charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm. The 33-year-old, who last competed in the octagon in 2021, was taken into custody following a police raid at her residence in Araraquara on January 23, 2025. This incident has sent ripples through the MMA community, raising questions about the implications for her career and the sport at large.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest came after local authorities acted on an anonymous tip that led to a search warrant being executed at Souza’s home. During the raid, police discovered a .380 caliber pistol, ammunition, anabolic steroids, and a quantity of marijuana. According to reports, Souza’s legal team has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, asserting that the marijuana was intended for personal use. Her lawyer, Glaucio Dalponte Mattiole, emphasized that Souza has been an outspoken advocate for cannabis legalization and was previously sponsored by a CBD company.
Livinha Souza arrested for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, Illegal possession of a weapon.
Souza is on the GFL roster and therefore eligible to be drafted tonight, btw.
https://t.co/Dk16ur7H4g— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) January 24, 2025
Brazil has seen gradual shifts toward more lenient marijuana laws, with personal possession becoming legal in recent years. However, the presence of steroids and an unregistered firearm complicates Souza’s legal situation. Mattiole stated that the firearm had been acquired legally but lacked proper registration due to administrative delays. He expressed confidence that Souza would fully cooperate with authorities to clarify her position and resolve the matter.
Souza’s arrest is particularly noteworthy given her previous status as a fighter who competed at a high level within the UFC. With a professional record of 14 wins and 4 losses, she had established herself as a formidable opponent in the strawweight division. However, her last fight resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Randa Markos at UFC Vegas 41 in October 2021. Following this defeat, she had not returned to competitive action and was recently listed as eligible for the Global Fight League draft but was not selected.
Implications for Her Career and Legacy
The ramifications of this incident extend beyond legal troubles; they pose significant challenges for Souza’s reputation and future within MMA. As a former champion in Invicta FC and a recognized figure in Brazilian MMA, her arrest raises concerns about athlete conduct and accountability within the sport. The MMA community is known for its scrutiny of fighters’ actions outside the octagon, and this incident could lead to lasting damage to her public image.
Moreover, Souza’s advocacy for cannabis legalization may be overshadowed by the allegations surrounding her arrest. While she has positioned herself as a proponent of responsible marijuana use, the discovery of steroids could complicate her narrative and raise questions about her commitment to fair competition.
As more details emerge regarding the investigation and potential legal proceedings, fans and fellow fighters will be watching closely. The outcome could influence not only Souza’s career trajectory but also spark discussions about drug use and regulation within mixed martial arts.