ARARAQUARA, Brazil — Former UFC Strawweight fighter Livinha Souza was arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Araraquara, Brazil, after being accused of drug trafficking and illegal possession of a weapon.
According to Brazilian police, authorities conducted a search at Souza’s residence after receiving an anonymous tip-off. During the search, they seized a .380 pistol, 59 bullets, marijuana, and anabolic steroids from her home.
Souza’s lawyer, Glaucio Dalponte Mattiole, issued a statement denying her involvement in drug trafficking. He explained that Souza had been open about her personal marijuana use in the past and had publicly supported CBD and marijuana legalization.
“The search and seizure operation carried out yesterday at Livia’s home was based on anonymous complaints. During the operation, a quantity of marijuana was seized, a substance that she uses, as she has publicly declared before,” said Mattiole. “Livia was the first UFC fighter in Brazil to be sponsored by a CBD company and advocates for the legalization of marijuana.”
Mattiole also clarified the presence of the firearm, explaining that Souza acquired the weapon in the past but had not yet been able to regularize its possession due to complications.
Souza, who has a professional record of 14-4, was released from the UFC after a mixed performance, going 3-3 in the promotion. She secured wins over Alex Chambers and Sarah Frota, but lost her last three fights, including a TKO loss to Amanda Lemos in her final UFC bout.
