Christian López
A wave of violence has shaken the combat sports community in Mexico City. In a brutal daylight attack, a 34-year-old man was gunned down in the Azcapotzalco borough. While authorities have not officially released the victim’s name, unofficial reports identify him as Christian López, a dedicated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter.
A Direct Attack in Broad Daylight
The incident took place at a busy tianguis (street market) located near 5 de Febrero Street and Ferrocarriles Nacionales Avenue in the Nextengo neighborhood. According to the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), the victim suffered a “direct aggression with firearm shots.”
Witnesses paint a chilling picture of the crime. Allegedly, the attacker did not look like a typical hitman. Instead, he disguised himself as a delivery driver to blend into the market crowd. He approached the stall where the MMA fighter sold nutritional supplements and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Extortion and “Los Malportados”
Why was a local athlete targeted? Sources indicate that the motive links back to rampant extortion in the area. Christian López had reportedly received threats demanding “protection money” for his small business. When he refused to pay the extortion fees, he became a target.
Reports point to a criminal cell known as “Los Malportados” as the likely perpetrators. This group is not a small street gang; they are allegedly linked to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel and the Cártel Nuevo Imperio. They have a terrifying reputation in CDMX, specifically in boroughs like Azcapotzalco, Miguel Hidalgo, and Iztapalapa. Furthermore, their members frequently pose as street vendors or delivery workers to move undetected by police.
Police Launch Investigation
Currently, the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office is analyzing forensic evidence. Although the SSC has confirmed the shooting, they are still working to verify all details officially. Meanwhile, investigators are hunting for the suspects responsible for this tragedy.
The community remains on high alert as violence continues to impact innocent citizens and local athletes alike.
Story originally appeared on Quintafuerza.mx by JOINER MARTÍNEZ
