Being a mixed martial arts fighter gives you a lot of perks. First, you get to punch someone and get paid for it. Second, you get huge contracts, or to some extent, travel and get several endorsements. But for a professional MMA fighter from New Mexico, the skills he learned in his profession proved helpful when his family was put in danger.

Joe Torrez from Las Cruces in New Mexico will not let anyone harm his family. Las Cruces Sun News reported that Torrez has killed a gang member and injured several others after breaking in to the fighter's house and threatening his family.

According to the report, the 27 years old fighter with a 1-5 professional record, beat and stabbed two of the attackers before the other pair fled following the New Year's Day break-in. The casualty was identified as 25-year-old Sal Garces while the other one with stab wound is Nathan M. Avalos, 20. The two other suspects were identified as Raymond Garces, the 19-year-old brother of the man killed, and Leonard Calvillo, 22. They are now both in police custody.

DASO spokeswoman Kelly Jameson said the gang members have threatened Torrez few minutes before the incident. Calvillo called Torrez, who was with his young son and fiancée, saying "I'm big Eastside. I'll kill you and your family ... I will go to your house." Not long after, the group was already near the residence of the Torrez family and then the fight occurred, leading to the death of Garces. The MMA pro, who suffered minor injuries, said he didn't know any of the suspects until that morning.

Despite insisting that the killing was out of self defense, a New Mexico court said that Torrez may still face charges. Police are also looking into facts to know why the gang members attacked Torrez.

Deputy District Attorney Jacinto Palomino said that "when acting in self-defense, a person may use no more force than is reasonably necessary to avoid the threatened harm."

Meanwhile, a Facebook page dedicated to the fighter has been set up by fans and supporters. The account is seeking donations which they will use to help Joe Torrez whom they said was just protecting his family.