‘Free Cain’ – Fighters express support for Cain Velasquez following arrest

Cain Velasquez cornering at a UFC card in February. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Fellow MMA fighters are rallying behind the former UFC heavyweight champion. Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was arrest…


Cain Velasquez cornering at a UFC card in February.
Cain Velasquez cornering at a UFC card in February. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Fellow MMA fighters are rallying behind the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was arrested earlier this week and has since been charged with first-degree attempted murder. He’s alleged to have shot at Harry Eugene Goularte, a 43-year-old man who’s out on bail after being accused of repeatedly molesting children, including a relative of Velasquez. While Goularte escaped the gunfire, his stepfather was shot and suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Other charges Velasquez is facing include shooting at an occupied motor vehicle or aircraft, three counts of assault with a firearm, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.

This news was obviously a major surprise to the MMA community and fighters have overwhelmingly stated their support for Velasquez as he remains in Santa Clara County jail. If convicted, Velasquez could be facing a minimum of 15 years in prison just off of the attempted murder charge.

Here’s how fighters have reacted.