On March 24, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a 2022 shooting incident. While the sentence may seem like a criminal act, Velasquez’s actions were driven by his love and desire to protect his son.
Unfortunately, Velasquez now faces a lengthy separation from his son and family due to the sentence. This reality moved Judge Arthur Bocanegra to tears, highlighting the emotional toll the case has taken on everyone involved.
The sentencing took place at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. Judge Arthur Bocanegra made an emotional decision, saying this punishment was the “worst” he had ever given.
While prosecutors wanted Cain Velasquez to get 30 years to life in prison, Bocanegra disagreed. He said, “Punishment comes in many ways, and one of the worst is forcing a father to not be present in his child’s life.”
🚨 The judge who gave Cain Velasquez his sentence today had tears in his eyes
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 24, 2025
and said “keeping a son from his father is the worst punishment”
Cain got a couple of mins to say bye to his family then was taken into custody
He got the lightest possible sentence
via @AmyLarson25 pic.twitter.com/2b0SYPrjzR
The judge thought about many things when deciding the sentence. Even though Velasquez was involved in an attempted murder, the judge also considered how his family suffered, especially his young son. “This is a tragic case. Mr. Velasquez is not a danger to public safety,” said Bocanegra in court.
With tears in his eyes, Bocanegra added, “Keeping a son from his father is the worst punishment.” Everyone understood that Cain did what he did to protect his son. The 42-year-old man’s brief opportunity to bid farewell to his family before his arrest was a heartbreaking moment.
The MMA community shows support for Cain Velasquez
Many famous people in MMA, including fighters and journalists, have shown support for Cain Velasquez on social media. It’s not just well-known figures, though; the entire UFC and MMA community is standing by the former heavyweight champion.
#FreeCain . real ass goon & that sick fuck is lucky he MISSED. and lucky he shot a gun. cuss if Velasquez would’ve got his hands on buddy shittttttt, https://t.co/OpJraFI5az
— Jack Mayhoff (@NotDShaun) March 25, 2025
Every MMA fighter, combat athlete and every father should support Cain Velasquez because it can happen to you.
— Crypto Trade (@CryptoTakavor) March 25, 2025
No time to serve for protecting your children from predators
Literally predators… #FREECAIN https://t.co/VObAlLBvup
I don’t care who you are, but if you go to prison for being a father to your son like former UFC champion Cain Velasquez and be his hero, go after the sick piece of garbage who allegedly molested his kid. Five years isn’t justice. It’s beating down a man who defended his kid. pic.twitter.com/z8b2DlaENe
— WOLFMAN (@Kingofmisfits89) March 25, 2025
Gutted for Cain Velasquez and his family. I hope he knows all the support he has behind him, especially from his fans and all of the mma community! 🙏 @cainmma #FREECAIN
— Ross Edmonds (@RosssEdmonds) March 25, 2025
#MMATwitter Remember Cain Velasquez?
— 🎱The MMA Mark🎱 (@TheMMA8Ball_) March 24, 2025
The MMA Mark Remembers. I can't blame him with what happened with his daughter, and I'm glad he didn't get more than what was trying to be pushed.
The MMA Community is with you, Cain! pic.twitter.com/gZdK7TWdyf
I am extremely saddened by the sentencing of Cain Velasquez would be an understatement. Having met him, seen him as a martial artist and human, and knowing if I were a father in his shoes I would've likely done the same… this is a tough day for MMA fans #FreeCain pic.twitter.com/IBVMmRUvoF
— Olin aka MMAnomaly👊 (@MMAnomaly) March 24, 2025
