MMA Legend Cain Velasquez Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison

Cain Velasquez has received a wave of public support from the MMA community following news of his sentencing this week.

The former UFC heavyweight champion was handed a five-year prison term on Monday in connection to a 2022 shooting incident.The shooting occurred after Velasquez pursued a vehicle containing Harry Goularte – the man accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son – alongside Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, and mother, Patricia Goularte, who ran the daycare where the alleged assault took place.

During the high-speed chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots into the car, injuring Bender.

Although Velasquez faced charges that included attempted murder, the court ultimately sentenced him to five years in prison, a significantly reduced term from the 25-to-life sentence prosecutors had requested.

He also received credit for time already served, including eight months in jail and over two years under house arrest, leaving him with approximately two years remaining on his sentence.And, if Velasquez maintains good behavior, he could potentially be released in 2026.

The sentencing prompted an outpouring of support on social media from fighters past and present, many expressing frustration at what they feel is an unfair punishment for someone acting to protect their child.

The response echoes a sentiment that’s been voiced throughout the case—that Velasquez’s actions, while legally criminal, were emotionally understandable given the circumstances.