Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has no shortage of support from his combat sports peers following his arrest in San Jose, Calif.
Velasquez was booked into the Santa Clara County main jail on Monday for attempted murder after he allegedly shot at a man who was recently accused of molesting a relative possibly “100 times,” according to reports. The relative is believed to be a minor. Velasquez injured the alleged abuser’s stepfather in the shooting.
When details of the possible motive emerged, the MMA community, in large part, began to rally behind Velasquez, who’s being held without bail. “Free Cain” became a hashtag and general theme across social media platforms before Velasquez is due in court Wednesday. Many people believe that if the motive behind Velasquez’s alleged actions is true, then his alleged actions were justified.
Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren didn’t mince when he posted, “I don’t want to live in a country where you can’t shoot someone who sexually abused your child.”
He was just one of many to voice support for Velasquez. You can check out more reactions from fighters below.
