Coach Slams Cain Velasquez Sentence: ‘They Got It Wrong’

Javier Mendez, long-time coach and close friend of Cain Velasquez, continues to defend the former fighter following his sentencing.

Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, saw his legal issues reach a conclusion in March when he received a five-year prison sentence, including time already served. This followed his no-contest plea to several charges, including attempted murder, stemming from a 2022 incident. The charges arose after Velasquez pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of child molestation involving Velasquez`s son. During the high-speed chase, Velasquez fired a handgun, striking Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Although Velasquez, 42, is anticipated to serve less than two additional years incarcerated, Mendez firmly believes he should not spend any further time behind bars.

“They made the wrong decision,” Mendez stated. “He shouldn`t have received any prison time. Yes, he did things that were incorrect, but when a father is protecting his children, primal instincts take over, and he lost control. Tests, specifically an EEG examining brain function, showed he had zero impulsivity and zero control in that state. It indicated a complete lack of thought process under extreme duress. While his actions were undoubtedly wrong and something he can work on, Mendez argues it`s not something he should be sentenced for; rather, it`s an issue that needs addressing and fixing.”

“How many of us wouldn`t have considered similar actions if it were just about going after the person who allegedly molested our child? Personally, I would have considered taking that person`s life, though I wouldn`t have acted as Cain did. I would have handled it discreetly to ensure I wasn`t implicated. Mess with my child? That`s a completely different scenario; my children are off-limits. Cain Velasquez wasn`t thinking clearly when the incident occurred, and the justice system`s ruling was mistaken.”

Velasquez has been moved to Wasco State Prison in California and is eligible for parole in March 2026. His actual release date could be earlier, depending on factors like his conduct and participation in rehabilitation programs.

Mendez expressed confidence that Velasquez will adapt well to prison life, noting reports from correctional staff and inmates indicating he is well-liked and gets along with everyone. He described Velasquez as an incredibly genuine and compassionate individual, always willing to help others, which assures Mendez of his safety inside.

However, Mendez shared his pain regarding the upcoming court case for Velasquez`s son, scheduled for June. The boy, who was allegedly molested, is reportedly confused about his father`s absence, and the prospect of him facing his alleged abuser in court without his father present in person deeply affects Mendez.

Goularte, accused of the molestation at a daycare facility owned by his mother in San Martin, California, is expected to have his next court appearance in June. The Velasquez family has also filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte and the daycare.

Mendez also voiced gratitude that the prosecutor did not succeed in securing a harsher sentence, calling the individual unprofessional for allegedly pushing for a 30-year term. Mendez believes the prosecutor prioritized career advancement over justice, portraying Velasquez as a menace despite Mendez`s assertion that anyone who knows Velasquez understands he is a protector and poses no threat to innocent people. Mendez maintains that Velasquez is precisely the kind of person you would want safeguarding your children or yourself.