“Dana White better hit up Donald Trump ASAP”: Fans express severe discontent over Cain Velasquez's 5-year sentence

In 2022, Cain Velasquez, a former UFC heavyweight champion, went on a vigilante spree when the fighter fired multiple rounds at a vehicle carrying the man accused of molesting his four-year-old son. Harry Goularte, a 46-year-old man, has been accused of multiple cases of child molestation, mostly those enrolled at his mother’s daycare facility. The vehicle had two other individuals in it, one of which was the accused’s stepfather, who got hit twice in the firing incident. After multiple hearings at the court, Velasquez in August 2024 pleaded “no contest” to charges of attempted murder. Following this, the fighter was sentenced to five years of imprisonment on March 24, 2025. This judgment has created a severe rift of discontentment amongst fans and the members of the combat sports community.
Cain Velasquez’s defense attorney, Renee Hessling, was not very convinced of the court decision since they hoped that prison time would be something that would not be in the books. Hessling appreciated the strength and courage shown in the last three years by the American fighter.
“Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character,” Hessling stated. “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.”
Harry Goularte’s family spoke to the reporters as well post-the hearing. His mother Patricia Goularte and stepfather, Paul Bender, were not satisfied with the hearing of the court.
“The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded.” Goularte’s mother claimed to have evidence that proves her son’s innocence: “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.”
The MMA community came together to vouch against the decision of the court and supported the fighter for showing courage against the accused molester. Brazilian lightweight contender Renato Moicano posted on X supporting Velasquez for his actions.
“It’s crazy that Cain Velásquez was sentenced to 5 years!!! The only thing he did wrong was missing the target!!!”

Bryce Mitchell posted a story on Instagram that pleaded for the release of Velasquez and instead proposed for appropriate dealings with the child molesters.
“Pardon Cain Velasquez and put these child molesters to death. That's what I would do”

Former UFC Lightweight Champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov posted a story on Instagram as well with the caption “Stay Strong Lion”

While the fighters have started joining hands in the plead for justice, fans have taken over X, to express their grief over the decision and suggested alternatives to approach the case.
One of the users wrote, “I don’t think a five years sentence is fair, one year max would have been enough, after all he was justified for what he did.”

Another one stated, “Free Cain Velasquez!”

“@danawhite use your super powers to oil up Donald Trump and get Cain Velasquez pardoned”

“Dana White better hit up Donald TRUMP ASAP! If he can pardon the people that attacked the capital, he can definitely PARDON Cain Velasquez ”

Also read: Former UFC veteran announces his retirement in a discussion with US President Donald Trump at the NCAA wrestling championship
While Velasquez has been sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment, however, speculations are being made that he might just get released in a year and a half. The reduced sentence might owe itself to the fact that he has already served a lot and a good behavior inside the prison. On top of that, noted figures from the MMA community have started showing their support for the fighter.