Gerônimo of Santos, known as Mondragon, aged 45, disappeared on the morning of Saturday, December 13, while diving on a beach inRiver Negro, in São Gabriel of Cachoeira, in Amazonas. The former MMA fighter, who held the position of deputy secretary of Segurança Pública of the municipality, was accompanied by his girlfriend at the time of the incident.
Family members and authorities confirmed the disappearance, and rescue teams immediately began searching. The local city hall postponed a Christmas event out of respect for the situation.
The incident occurred in an area known to present risks to swimmers. Testemunhas reported that Mondragon decided to take one last dive before leaving the site, but did not return to the surface after entering a point with a steep drop in level.
The ex-fighter’s girlfriend witnessed the moment he began to struggle in the water and asked for help. Pessoas nearby tried to help him with a boat, but he sank before being reached.
Circumstances of disappearance
Mondragon was on the beach with her partner, taking photos and enjoying the day. Ele asked her to collect her belongings while she entered the water one last time.
Reports indicate that the fighter did not know how to swim proficiently and fell into an area with a treacherous sandbank. Essa area has a sudden deep drop and current with circular rotation, which makes rescue difficult even for experienced swimmers.
- Sand bank with a steep drop in level
- Strong and circular current
- Depth that can reach 15 meters in nearby points
The city issued a public warning about these dangers after the incident. Banhistas visitors know the risks, but visitors may underestimate them.
Immediate reactions from authorities
The municipal administration of São Gabriel of Cachoeira confirmed the disappearance through an official note on social media. The statement announced the postponement of the arrival of Papai Noel, scheduled for Saturday, 13th.
Mondragon’s brother, Feliciano Borges Neto, initially shared the news on the fighter’s Instagram account. Ele expressed pain over the family tragedy and asked for prayers for his brother’s location.
Searches were suspended during the early hours of Sunday, 14th, around 2am, due to nighttime conditions. Operations resumed the following morning with specialized teams.
Local authorities mobilized available resources, including vessels and divers. Até At this time, there is no new location information.
Trajectory in national MMA
Gerônimo of Santos built a solid career in Brazilian MMA as a heavyweight since the 2000s. Ele accumulated more than 70 professional fights, with a record of approximately 44 wins, 26 losses and one draw.
In 2012, the Bahian signed a contract with the UFC, but his debut was canceled after a test detected hepatitis B. Ele was released from the contract years later and continued competing in national events.
Mondragon also gained notoriety outside the ring by participating in pranks on television shows and YouTube channels. Sua charismatic personality attracted fans beyond sports.
In April 2025, he held his last bare-knuckle boxing fight, knocking out Russian former UFC fighter Aleksei Oleinik in the first round. The victory reinforced his reputation as a resilient veteran.
Context of the region and water risks
São Gabriel da Cachoeira is located in the upper Rio Negro, an area with rivers with dark waters and variable currents. Praias rivers attract residents on weekends, but accidents occur due to invisible drops in level.
The municipality has issued recurring warnings about dangerous sandbars. Esses points have soft sand that masks steep drops to greater depths.
Water safety experts recommend caution in Amazon rivers. Correntes rings can trap swimmers, even in apparently calm waters.
- Avoid diving in unknown areas
- Swim together and in groups
- Know signs of strong current
Similar cases have already been recorded in the region, reinforcing the need for prevention.
Public performance in São Gabriel of Cachoeira
Mondragon held the position of undersecretary of Segurança Pública in the municipality of Amazonas. Ele contributed to local security policies, combining personal experience with community demands.
Born in Feira from Santana, in Bahia, the fighter moved to Norte and joined public management. Sua appointment reflected trust placed by local authorities.
The absence of the undersecretary temporarily impacted administrative routines. Colegas expressed support for the search and solidarity with the family.
The position required presence at community events, which explains the city’s quick response to the incident.
Searches in progress at Rio Negro
Teams from Corpo of Bombeiros and local volunteers concentrate their efforts in the area of the disappearance. Operations involve sweeping vessels and diving at strategic points.
River conditions, with dark waters and reduced visibility, complicate the work. Buscas nights were avoided for the safety of those involved.
Family members follow the actions closely and hope for quick location. Atualizações are shared periodically on social media.
Authorities do not rule out expanding the search radius if necessary. The Rio Negro has a vast extension, requiring precise coordination.
The case mobilizes the community of São Gabriel and Cachoeira, who know Mondragon both through sport and public activity. Moradores offer logistical support to the teams.