‘Free Cain’: Fighters rally behind Velasquez after alleged shooting details emerge
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.
Marvin Vettori
Cain got my support 💯 https://t.co/K0MnaYUckj
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) March 2, 2022
Ben Askren
I don’t want to live in a country where you can’t shoot someone who sexually abused your child. #FreeCain
— Funky (@Benaskren) March 2, 2022
Anthony Pettis
Free Cain 🇲🇽🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/CPjkB30noE
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) March 2, 2022
Derek Brunson
FREE Cain Velasquez 💯
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 2, 2022
At the same time someone needs to buy Cain some firearm courses for Christmas . That aim could use some work !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 2, 2022
Sodiq Yusuff
If the stuff about Cain is true free him
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) March 1, 2022
Kyle Crutchmer
Read this. I don’t wanna hear anything else about CTE Or really any other shit. This dude protected his family. They released a scumbag. I’ve always been taught to protect my family and that’s at any cost! FREE CAIN💯 https://t.co/HRhr3ZtXBk
— Kyle Crutchmer (@KyleCrutchmer) March 2, 2022
Deron Winn
I stand by Cain and his family in these hard times. He is one of the most selfless, genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know on a personal level. I almost can’t put into words how of amazing of a guy he is. He lives a good life. The truth will come to light.
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) March 1, 2022
Lavar Johnson
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cak7h8JvX-O/?utm_medium=copy_link
Sean Strickland
If this is true @cainmma is a fucking hero bottom fucking line. There is nothing I respect more than when I man does this. 911 isn't the answer for this. I'll be the first one donating to a gofund me for his defense. Pedophiles need to die.. they can only be fixed with fire…. https://t.co/6FWnwA2QD0
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 2, 2022
Chito Vera
Cain opens fire to a rapist? Good choice champ https://t.co/0ZHxHrhwXM
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) March 2, 2022
Anthony Birchak
Drop all charges https://t.co/wcvA0u8CAE
— Anthony Birchak (@abirchakMMA) March 2, 2022
Craig Eckelberg
You touch or hurt a kid – all bets are off and you get what’s coming to you #FreeCain
— Craig Eckelberg (@craigeckelberg) March 2, 2022
Louis Smolka
— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) March 1, 2022
Jared Gordon
Cain apparently shot a guy that molested his daughter? So why did he get arrested? It should be death for anyone that does that
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) March 1, 2022
Said Yokub
Never aim below the neck. https://t.co/4SlJAdHhxv
— said yokub (@SaidYokubMMA) March 1, 2022
Jake Shields
This is same rumor I’ve heard so I will wait before I judge Cain
There’s rare occasions where murder is the correct response https://t.co/gXd6C6qEbc
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) March 1, 2022
Terrance McKinney
If it’s true Cain Velasquez tried to kill that boy cause his daughter was molested then damn, that boy got what he deserved
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 1, 2022
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