The legal battle involving Cain Velasquez concluded on Monday with the two-time UFC heavyweight champion receiving a five-year prison sentence for various charges, including attempted murder, in connection to a 2022 incident where he allegedly fired shots at a man accused of molesting his young son. Velasquez, 42, has already served some time as part of his sentence.
The sentencing was delivered by Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, who reportedly showed emotion during the proceedings.
Velasquez’s case has attracted significant attention due to its sensitive nature. The former MMA star faced multiple felony charges after engaging in a high-speed car chase with Harry Goularte, who is accused of harming Velasquez’s son. Velasquez fired shots at Goularte’s vehicle during the chase, injuring Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender.
Goularte is awaiting trial for his alleged crimes, while Velasquez’s family has pursued legal action against Goularte’s family and businesses.
Despite his past success in UFC, Velasquez expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the consequences in a recent podcast interview.
The prison verdict for Velasquez has sparked a range of reactions within the MMA community, as seen in the social media posts below.
Cain shouldn’t serve any jail time. In the heat of the moment, what man wouldn’t have a lapse in judgement to protect his family. The focus should be on the man that committed crimes much worse than what Cain did. I’m thankful he only has to serve 5 years instead of 30. https://t.co/FkjHNNzeSN
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) March 24, 2025
Monday Mailbag!
Cain gets 5 years. Not the 30 years to life they were asking for. Hopefully, Trump gives him the hunter Biden treatment.What do you think? FAIR OR NOT pic.twitter.com/IgOTMzsxvW
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) March 24, 2025
Well if that’s the case, all in all a good result when you consider how fucked the justice system is. Absolutely gutted for Cain and his family. You’ll be out in no time champ. You are forever a legend to us and a hero to your family https://t.co/iIpJV1W6OY
— Oban Elliott Official (@obanelliottufc) March 24, 2025
This is why I will never live in California, they tried to give this man 30 years for protecting his family and the person who violated his family is still walking in the streets
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) March 24, 2025
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