‘This is awful’: Pros react to Cain Velasquez receiving prison time for attempted murder
Cain Velasquez has a short stint behind bars ahead of him and his fellow fighters are rallying behind him.
On Monday, the former UFC heavyweight champion received his sentence for his involvement in a February 2022 shooting that saw Velasquez involved in a high-speed chase in which he fired several rounds from a handgun at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte is currently awaiting his own trial for charges of child molestation, of which Velasquez’s 4-year-old son is allegedly a victim.
Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder, among other charges. He pleaded no-contest to the charges and his sentencing includes time three years of time served, which means he is likely to be imprisoned for no more than two years.
As they have been through much of this saga, Velasquez’s fellow fighters showed their support for him, with fellow former UFC champion Chris Weidman writing, “This is awful.”
Check out more social media reactions from fighters below.
This is awful !! https://t.co/VM420JX8mX
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) March 24, 2025
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) March 24, 2025
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 24, 2025
— DT (@darrentill2) March 24, 2025
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) March 24, 2025
#FREEcainVELASQUEZ pic.twitter.com/nZ8eBdklxh
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 24, 2025
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
Damn… https://t.co/pjZOJKo7hm
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 24, 2025
Please say that’s 2.5 years on good behaviour? https://t.co/eu9sbBwsAv
— Oban Elliott Official (@obanelliottufc) 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
FREE CAIN. We can only hope that Dana has spoke to Trump about this. Hopefully Trump can somehow pardon him - to the dismay of only the poison to our society
— Oban Elliott Official (@obanelliottufc) March 24, 2025
Praying for Cain Velasquez today!
— Kyle Crutchmer (@KyleCrutchmer) March 24, 2025
Monday Mailbag!
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) March 24, 2025
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