As has been the case since the situation occurred in 2022, the MMA community largely has thrown its support behind former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez during a difficult moment.
Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison, including time served, Monday stemming from his well documented attempted murder case, to which he pleaded no contest. Subsequent reporting after sentencing indicates Velasquez could only be incarcerated for one to two years in the best case scenario, but many appear to believe even that might be too harsh.
Notable names from throughout the UFC roster and elsewhere in the sport shared thoughts on the news on social media, with unanimous backing of Velasquez.
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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. https://t.co/FkjHNNzeSN
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) March 24, 2025
#FREEcainVELASQUEZ pic.twitter.com/nZ8eBdklxh
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 24, 2025
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) March 24, 2025
This is why I will never live in California, they tried to give this man 30 years for protecting his family and the person who violated his family is still walking in the streets
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) March 24, 2025
This is awful !! https://t.co/VM420JX8mX
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) March 24, 2025
Damn… https://t.co/pjZOJKo7hm
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 24, 2025
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 24, 2025
— DT (@darrentill2) March 24, 2025
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) March 24, 2025
— Kazula Vargas 👹 (@kazulavargasufc) March 24, 2025
FREE CAIN. We can only hope that Dana has spoke to Trump about this. Hopefully Trump can somehow pardon him – to the dismay of only the poison to our society
— Oban Elliott Official (@obanelliottufc) March 24, 2025
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