What did Cain Velasquez do? UFC community reacts as former champ sentenced to five years in prison

Former UFC fighter Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a shooting incident. The incident took place back in February 2022 when Cain Velasquez went on a shooting spree targeting Harry Goularte, the man accused of allegedly molesting his four-year-old son.

Velasquez got inside his car as he chased down the truck carrying Harry Goularte and his stepfather, Paul Bender, in an 11-mile high-speed chase. He was arrested soon after the incident but released on a $1 million bail under the condition that he would be under GPS monitoring. If convicted, Cain Velasquez could face life imprisonment. However, in August of last year, the two-time heavyweight champion pleaded no contest to the charges that included, felony assault, attempted murder, and others.

The UFC community, which has shown their unwavering support for Velasquez, has reacted strongly to his sentencing.

UFC fighter Renato Moicano tweeted:

"It’s crazy that Cain Velásquez was sentenced to 5 years!!! The only thing he did wrong was missing the target!!!"

This fan said:

"we will not rest until cain velazquez walks free. if a jury cannot reason with his logic, then i am simply afraid for all our futures. free cain velasquez."

American mixed martial artist, Michael Chiesa said:

"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."

"Gutted for the Velasquez family. What he did was wrong, he said so himself. But I can only imagine the rage he had towards some dude trying to hurt his kid. Enough time was served, he hasn't been a threat to anyone while at home. He should've been able to go home to his family." said another.

This person tweeted:

"Dana White better hit up Donald TRUMP ASAP! If he can pardon the people that attacked the capital, he can definitely PARDON Cain Velasquez 💯‼️ #FreeCainVelasquez"

Jacob Littlemore tweeted:

"Free Cain Velasquez!"

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More about the case and Cain Velasquez's sentencing

In 2022, according to reports by the New York Post, Cain Velasquez shot through the windshield of his car in an attempt to exercise what the District Attorney's office has described as "a vigilante shooting spree." Goularte escaped uninjured, but Paul was shot twice. Just a week before the incident, Goularte had been arrested on charges of s**ual assault of a minor at the daycare owned by his family. Moreover, on the day of the incident, he was on his way to have a GPS tracking bracelet fitted.

The former champion shall serve only one year of the five years sentance. He shall be credited for the nine months spent in prison, and his time under home confinement, according to a statement issued by Judge Arthur Bolcanegra.

His lead defense attorney, Renee Hessling, later released a statement. It reads:

"Today’s results are bittersweet — we had hoped Mr. Velasquez would remain out of jail. However, the facts remain clear, Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community. What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare—one they did not deserve."

The statement further continues:

"Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines.When he is released, he will continue to lead by example—protecting, contributing, and caring for the people around him.”

During his appearance on the "Kyle Kingsbury Podcast," Velasquez said:

"From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things was not the way to do it. We cannot put the law in our own hands.I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did and I'm willing to do everything I have to [do] to pay that back."

The family of Harry Goularte, on the other hand, is not satisfied with the sentencing. His mother, Patricia Goularte, made a statement after the sentencing. It reads:

"The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that as we do have ample amount of evidence to do that. It’s sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”

Harry Goularte's case is set to go to trial in June, but he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine.