Javier Mendez, longtime coach and friend of Cain Velasquez, continues to support the fighter.
The legal ordeal for the two-time UFC heavyweight champion concluded in March with a five-year prison sentence (including time already served). This followed his no-contest plea to several charges, including attempted murder, stemming from an arrest in 2022.
Additionally, Velasquez faced felony assault and weapons charges. These arose from a high-speed pursuit where he fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting Velasquez`s son. Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, was hit and suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.
Although Velasquez, 42, is anticipated to serve less than two more years, Mendez firmly believes he shouldn`t remain incarcerated for even a moment longer.
“They made a mistake,” Mendez told Canal Encarada. “He shouldn`t have received any jail time. Yes, he did things that were incorrect, but when a father is defending his children, we act irrationally, and he lost control. An EEG (electroencephalogram) test, which examines brain function, was conducted and revealed he had zero impulsivity and zero control. This indicates that, similar to someone experiencing road rage who becomes enraged and acts erratically, he was a person with no control or thought process in that moment. It`s something that can be managed, which he has been doing, and he shouldn`t be sentenced for it. It`s an issue that should be addressed, because yes, what he did was undeniably wrong. It was wrong.
But how many of us would feel differently if he had only targeted the alleged molester of his child? Personally, I would have killed the man myself. However, I wouldn`t have done it the way Cain did. I would have acted more discreetly, ensuring I wasn`t present, and I would have killed that person. If you harm my child? Sorry, that`s a completely different matter. You will not touch my children. Therefore, Cain Velasquez was not thinking clearly when this occurred, and the judicial system made an error.”
Velasquez has been moved to Wasco State Prison near Bakersfield, California, and is eligible for parole in March 2026. His release date could potentially be advanced depending on factors like his conduct and involvement in prison programs.
Mendez anticipates no problems for Velasquez while incarcerated and says that based on reports, Velasquez maintains a positive outlook despite the challenging circumstances.
“Regarding his well-being inside, I knew he would manage wonderfully because I`ve heard from all the staff at the sheriff`s department and the guards at the jail – they like him, and everyone gets along with him,” Mendez said. “The inmates also get along with him. I was certain that would happen. Cain Velasquez is the kindest, most authentic person you could ever meet; he cares about everyone and is ready to assist anyone. So I know he is safe there.
What truly distresses me is his child`s court hearing scheduled for June. The boy was allegedly molested, and he doesn`t understand where his father is, why his father can`t be with him, and then he has to go to court. This young boy must testify against the alleged child molester, and his father will be where? In prison? That is what affects me most deeply.”
Goularte, facing accusations of molesting Velasquez`s son at a San Martin, California daycare owned by Goularte`s mother, has his next court appearance anticipated in June. The Velasquez family is also pursuing civil action against Goularte and the daycare facility.
Mendez expressed some relief that Velasquez`s sentence was not harsher, attributing this partly to a prosecutor he viewed as excessively aggressive.
According to Mendez, “The prosecutor is awful because he sought a 30-year sentence. I dislike individuals like that who disregard right and wrong, focusing only on advancing their careers, portraying him as a threat. He was never a threat to anyone. If you know Cain Velasquez, and everyone who knows him will confirm this, your children are safe, you are safe with this person. If you needed someone to protect your child or yourself, it would be Cain Velasquez.”
