Cain Velasquez is effectively a free man — and many people inside and outside the combat sports community are happy.
Velasquez, a multiple-time UFC heavyweight champion, was paroled from the Correctional Facility in Soledad, Calif., on Sunday. The emotional moment he was reunited with his family outside prison was filmed by a mariachi band, who played music throughout.
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Velasquez, 43, spent 11 months in jail after pleading no contest to multiple felony charges, including attempted murder. Velázquez fired a handgun at a man named Harry Goulart, who was accused of molesting Velázquez’s young son at a day care. Velasquez shot Goulart’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm as he chased Goulart and his family during a high-speed car chase.
Throughout the case, Velazquez enjoyed strong local support and quickly gained international attention. Following his release, thousands of people shared positive messages on social media and support has never been greater.
Check out examples of such messages from famous people below.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: ‘Welcome home’: MMA community reacts to Cain Velasquez’s release from prison
