Former UFC star Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for firing at a man he alleged molested his son in 2022. The man, Harry Goularte, was shot at by Velasquez, who chased him for 11 miles through busy streets in San Jose. Velasquez will receive credit for 1,283 days served, leaving him with about a year and a half left in his sentence. Luke Rockhold, a former UFC colleague, is advocating for President Donald Trump to intervene and reduce Velasquez’s sentence, stating that Velasquez is not a threat to society and has done numerous charitable acts.
Velasquez pleaded no contest to felony assault and gun charges in a deal with the Santa Clara County Prosecutor’s Office, which dropped premeditated murder charges against him. He won his first UFC heavyweight championship in 2012 by defeating Junior dos Santos and successfully defended his title twice. Velasquez also had a brief career in pro wrestling in WWE and Mexico’s AAA. Despite his legal troubles, those who know Velasquez describe him as kind and harmless until provoked.
Luke Rockhold believes that Velasquez has proven himself not to be a threat to society and has done numerous charitable acts, such as visiting children’s hospitals. He argues that President Trump should intervene and grant Velasquez a pardon, as the current system is flawed. Rockhold describes Velasquez as a kind and sweet person, only becoming violent when provoked. The ex-champion’s supporters are hoping for a reduction in his sentence to reflect his actions and behavior.
Velasquez’s legal troubles began when he was arrested on attempted murder and gun charges after shooting at the man who allegedly molested his 4-year-old son. Despite the severity of the charges, premeditated murder charges were dropped as part of a negotiated agreement with the prosecutor’s office. Velasquez will be serving a five-year sentence, but will receive credit for time already served, leaving him with a year and a half remaining. His supporters argue that his actions were justified in defense of his son.
Velasquez’s former colleague Luke Rockhold has been vocal in his support for Velasquez, calling for his sentence to be reduced. Rockhold believes that Velasquez has proven himself to be a kind-hearted individual who is not a threat to society. He cites Velasquez’s charitable acts and positive impact on those around him as evidence of his character. Rockhold is hoping that President Trump will intervene and grant Velasquez a pardon, allowing him to return to the community and continue his charitable work. The case has garnered attention due to Velasquez’s prominent career in the UFC and his reputation as a kind and caring person outside of the ring.
