Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder related to a 2022 shooting incident, but his fellow fighters are showing strong support for him, expressing sympathy and hoping for leniency.
Cain Velasquez has a brief prison term ahead, and his fellow fighters are rallying behind him. On Monday, the former UFC heavyweight champ got his sentence for a February 2022 incident. It involved a high-speed chase where he fired shots at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte is awaiting trial for child molestation charges, allegedly involving Velasquez’s 4-year-old son.
Velasquez received a five-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges. He pleaded no contest, with three years already served. So, he’s likely to spend no more than two more years behind bars.
Throughout this ordeal, Velasquez’s fellow fighters have shown their support. Former UFC champ Chris Weidman expressed his dismay, stating, “This is awful.” Many fighters took to social media to voice their thoughts.
Michael Chiesa tweeted that Cain shouldn’t serve jail time. He argued that any man might act rashly to protect his family. Chiesa also noted relief that Cain’s sentence wasn’t 30 years.
Oban Elliott shared his perspective on the justice system’s flaws. Despite being gutted for Cain and his family, he finds solace in the outcome. He called Cain a legend and hero.
In another tweet, Elliott hoped Dana White had spoken to Trump about a pardon. He expressed hope that Trump could intervene, despite societal backlash.
Kyle Crutchmer kept it simple: “Praying for Cain Velasquez today!” Sometimes, less is more.
Roy Nelson chimed in with a Monday Mailbag comment. He pointed out that Cain got five years instead of the proposed 30-to-life sentence. Nelson wondered if Trump might step in like he did for Hunter Biden.
The MMA community remains vocal and supportive of Velasquez during this challenging time. Their tweets reflect both frustration and solidarity as they stand by their fellow fighter.