The episode involving the arrest of the former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), Cain Velazquez, continues to give something to talk about. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, Fabricio Werdum came out in defense of his former rival, who allegedly chased and shot at a vehicle containing a man accused of sexually abusing one of the fighter's family members.
See too
Werdum analyzed the case and believes that keeping Velasquez in prison is an injustice. In addition to offering solidarity, the Brazilian stated that 'everyone would do the same' in the case of alleged abuse against a relative.
“I think it’s very complicated. I think the situation is unfair. I know he made a mistake, because the attacker wasn't the only one in the car. (…) I don't want to influence anyone, but I think that, as a father, everyone would do the same. Hot-headed, everyone is blind. He deserves to be in jail, but he doesn't Cain Velazquez – who is a good guy and has no prior record. Justice has to look at all of this to give Velasquez credit”, said Werdum.
The Brazilian even sent a letter to the court along with other important fighters and requested leniency for Velasquez. Now, the Brazilian reinforces the mobilization with the case and asks the combat sports community to also help the former champion.
"He was wrong. (The shot) hit an innocent person and could have killed someone. I know that. But who would do it differently? Everyone would do the same. There has to be justice, but it's a critical situation and I think the entire fighting community has to help. If I have to post or talk about it, I won’t be ashamed because I’m a rival”, he concluded.
Werdum shared the Octagon with Cain in 2015. The fight, at the time, was worth unifying the heavyweight belt (up to 120,2kg.) and the Brazilian 'shocked the world' by defeating the then champion with a guillotine choke, in a fight held at Mexico.
Cain has now been accused of premeditated murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle, as well as assault with a firearm and intentionally discharging a projectile into a vehicle, with the intent to commit a crime. If he is found guilty, he could face a sentence of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of it being extended to life.
