Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell has come out in support of his friend Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez was arrested after allegedly having shot Harry Goularte. He ended up hitting the victim’s stepfather, Paul Bender in the arm as they drove away on public streets. A few days before the alleged shooting, Goularte was arrested on accusations of “lewd acts” with a 4-year-old member of Velasquez’s family.
After an initial request for bail soon after the arrest was denied, the defense had issued an appeal to get Velasquez bail. However, Judge Shelyna Brown, who was also the judge in the previous ruling, declined bail to the former UFC heavyweight champion for a second time.
Chuck Liddell offers support to Cain Velasquez
In a brief interview with TMZ Sports, Chuck Liddell was asked about the ongoing case of Cain Velasquez. He was probed on whether he had the chance to talk to Velasquez after his arrest.
“I haven’t been able to speak to him but I hope he stays strong. It is what it is, man. I get it, man, I get it, man.”
Liddell criticized the court’s decision to not let Velasquez out while they allow other “crazy” people to walk out free.
“That’s so funny how easy they can get out, you know, they’re letting all these crazy people out of there”
“Yeah, they should give him bail. Let him go see his family.”
When asked what his final message for the 39-year-old would be, Liddell extended his support to the fellow fighter.
“Stay strong brother. We’re here for you. We love you!”
Man shot by Velasquez dealing with ‘ongoing intimidation’
Although Harry Goularte was the intended target for Velasquez’s bullet, the man who got struck by it was his step-father Paul Bender. His attorney had recently spoken to MMA Junkie claiming that they are dealing with “ongoing intimidation from the Cain Velasquez supporters during this entire proceeding”.
Over 30 UFC champions along with many more members of the community including promotion head Dana White have come out in support of Cain Velasquez.
Khabib Nurmagomedov had also recently expressed his desire to meet his former teammate at AKA and give him good energy. The Dagestani had inquired with his management about any potential legal issues that might stand in his way. Coach Javier Mendez has also been a figure constantly seen at the courthouse.
