Lawyer issues statement after former UFC fighter is arrested in Brazil for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and illegal possession of a weapon

A former UFC fighter was recently charged with drug trafficking and illegal possession of a weapon. The individual's lawyer published a statement following her arrest, stating that they are collaborating with police to resolve the situation.

The individual in question is former UFC strawweight Livinha Souza. Following an anonymous call, the local police obtained a search warrant and proceeded to the Brazilian's home, where they found a.380 pistol, 59 bullets, steroids, and marijuana. Souza was detained as a result.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Souza's attorney, Glaucio Dalponte Mattiole, denied her being involved in any criminal activity. According to Mattiole, the 33-year-old had previously admitted to possessing marijuana, and because of some regrettable circumstances, Souza was unable to publicly announce that she possessed firearms.

Mattiole said:

''The search and seizure operation carried out yesterday at the home of Livia was based on alleged anonymous complaints. During the operation, a quantity of marijuana was seized, a substance that she uses, as publicly declared previously. It’s worth noting that Livia was the first UFC fighter in Brazil to be sponsored by a CBD company and is a public defender of the legalization of marijuana. Lívia is at the disposal of the courts and has already provided the necessary clarifications, reaffirming her interest in demonstrating that she is a user of the substance.''

Mattiole continued:

“Regarding the firearm mentioned, we clarify that it was acquired in the past. However, due to a series of setbacks, it has not yet been possible to regularize its possession. The fighter will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities, trusting that the investigation of the facts will allow us to conclude, unequivocally, that there are no irregularities or crimes attributed to her by the Civil Police.” [H/t: MMA Fighting]

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Everything to know about Livinha Souza's MMA career

Livinha Souza currently holds a professional record of 14-4 and hasn't competed since 2021. Souza made six appearances in the UFC and accumulated a record of 3-3.

In her last octagon outing at UFC Vegas 41, the Brazilian faced Randa Markos in a strawweight bout and suffered a unanimous decision defeat.

Before joining the UFC, Souza was a member of Invicta FC, where she won the title by submitting Katja Kankaanpaa in the fourth round at Invicta FC 12. Before losing the title to Angela Hill at Invicta FC 17 in 2016, she successfully defended her title by knocking out DeAnna Bennett in the first round at Invicta FC 15.