Ex-UFC Fighter Calls on Trump to Pardon Former Champion in Child Molestation Shooting Case

Former UFC star Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest in a 2022 shooting incident involving a man he alleged molested his 4-year-old son. The verdict comes with 1,283 days of credited time served, leaving him with about a year and a half behind bars.

Velasquez was arrested in February 2022 following an alleged high-speed chase through San Jose, during which he reportedly fired at a pickup truck carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of sexually assaulting his son. Prosecutors described the chase as an 11-mile pursuit through busy streets, culminating in multiple gun charges and an attempted murder accusation.

The former heavyweight champion's case has sparked polarizing reactions, but one of Velasquez's former UFC colleagues, Luke Rockhold, is taking the plea for leniency to the next level by urging former President Donald Trump to pardon Velasquez. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Rockhold argued, "He's done his time. He's proved he's not a threat to society. He's one of the kindest, sweetest people—until you wrong him. Cain is a big teddy bear, what can I say?"

Rockhold emphasized Velasquez's contributions, citing his visits to children’s hospitals and his positive impact on the community. "If there ever was a time for President Trump to step in and serve a real pardon that makes all the sense in the world, this is it," he added.

Velasquez reached a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting to felony assault and gun charges, which led to the dismissal of premeditated murder charges. While the legal outcome may be resolved, the emotional weight of the case continues to resonate with his supporters.

Velasquez's UFC legacy includes securing the heavyweight championship in 2012 by defeating Junior dos Santos and successfully defending the title twice. Beyond the octagon, he tried his hand at pro wrestling with WWE and Mexico’s AAA.