Former MMA fighter and UFC signee Geronimo dos Santos is reportedly dead. According to reports from The Daily Mail, the 45-year-old died from drowning. The harrowing tragedy occurred last Friday when dos Santos disappeared after diving into Brazil’s Rio Negro.
The municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira confirmed the death of the BKFC veteran in a statement that reads:
“At this time of sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to all the family and friends. May God grant them strength and comfort to cope with this great loss.”
Check out the statement below:
On December 13, 2025, Geronimo dos Santos and his partner visited one of the freshwater beaches of the Rio Negro. Dos Santos wanted to take one last dip before leaving, and did not return. After this tragedy, Dos Santos’ brother revealed that ‘Mondragon’ could not swim. Although a boat immediately tried to rescue him, the rescue was unsuccessful.
The body of Geronimo dos Santos was found on Monday (December 15) under rocks along the riverbed by fire brigade divers, three kilometers from the place of disappearance.
Following this tragic accident, three days of official mourning have been declared by the municipal government of São Gabriel da Cachoeira.
Geronimo dos Santos signed but never fought in the UFC
Geronimo dos Santos, nicknamed ‘Mondragon’, has a professional MMA record of 45-26-1 according to Tapology. He has participated in many prestigious organizations such as Impact FC, RIZIN, Jungle Fight and others.
He also signed with the UFC in 2012 and would make his debut against Gabriel Gonzaga. Before the fight, however, a blood test showed he had hepatitis B. Two years after signing with the UFC and still not being cleared to fight by NASC due to low immunity, he asked to be released.
Dos Santos’ last fight was in April against former UFC heavyweight fighter Aleksei Oleinik under the BKFC banner. ‘Mondragon’ won the fight via knockout in the first round. The Brazilian was scheduled to fight Andrei Arlovski in June, but Dos Santos reportedly pulled out of the fight.
He was not only a successful fighter, but also the Undersecretary of Public Security of São Gabriel da Cachoeira.
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