Cain Velasquez’s five-year sentence for charges related to attempted murder have raised a strong reaction from the MMA community.
Velasquez was arrested in March 2022 after chasing down Harry Goularte, who was accused of sexually abusing his son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother. During the pursuit, Velasquez fired a handgun at Goularte’s vehicle, hitting his stepfather, Paul Bender, who survived. By pleading no-contest to attempted murder, Velasquez avoided a potential 30-year sentence. However, it was not enough to keep from doing jail time, resulting in a strong response.
Heartbroken for Cain and his family. https://t.co/oRYi93yG8A
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) 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
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) March 24, 2025
This is awful !! https://t.co/VM420JX8mX
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) March 24, 2025
Damn… https://t.co/pjZOJKo7hm
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 24, 2025