UFC president Dana White was among over 30 people to send a letter requesting the release of Cain Velasquez on bail, according to reports.
The 39-year-old former UFC champion is currently in prison after being charged with attempted murder last week. Santa Clara County Superior Court denied him bail on Monday. In addition, he will not be able to request again until charges are added or dropped.
Read more: Former UFC fighter Cain Velasquez charged with attempted murder
On February 28, San Jose Police arrested Velasquez. This was after chasing down Harry Goularte in a car.
The Mercury News reported, as per sources, that Goularte had recently been charged with molesting an underage close relative of Velasquez. The same report states, in addition, that a judge granted him supervised release over objections from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
While chasing him down, it has been reported that Velasquez fired gunshots at Goularte’s car. Goularte’s stepfather was hit in the arm and torso.
Judge Shelyna Brown denied the former UFC champion bail on Monday. She released the following statement:
“It is clear to this court that there is clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood that release would result in great bodily injury, not just to the named complaining witnesses in this case but to Santa Clara residents at large. This case involves allegations of extreme recklessness to human life.”
Dana White and others show support for Cain Velasquez
A number of celebrities in the world of combat sports have been rallying for the release of Cain Velasquez.
TMZ have reported that Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman are amongst those that want to see him released on bail.
Furthermore, the same report claims that over 30 people wrote letters to Judge Brown prior to her decision to request that Velasquez could post bail. That is because they believe he should be able to mount his defence from home, rather than a jail cell.
Other famous figures to pen a letter reportedly include WWE legend Rey Mysterio. The pair were in a storyline together during Velasquez’s brief stint with the company.
Former MMA star Ronda Rousey, meanwhile, has tweeted the following: “I would have done the same thing if not worse.”
Colby Covington also offered his public support to Velasquez after his victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. He called for his release.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
