Joe Rogan is puzzled by the fact that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been imprisoned.
Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence in March after entering a no-contest plea to several charges, including attempted murder. This stemmed from a 2022 incident where Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile high-speed chase after Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez`s son at a daycare owned by Goularte`s mother. During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun at the vehicle Goularte was in, with one bullet hitting Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm.
Rogan discussed the situation with former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria on his podcast.
“He did exactly what any father would have done,” Rogan stated. “If you aren`t a parent, you can`t comprehend the murderous anger you`d feel if someone molested your child. It`s an unimaginable rage unless you`re a parent.”
“If there was ever a case for temporary insanity, this is it. If anyone could justifiably claim temporary insanity, it`s a father pursuing someone, especially a man who molested his son.”
“Everyone understands,” Rogan continued. “He should never have been jailed. He`s not a threat to society, he`s not dangerous, he shouldn`t be in prison, especially since he already served three years… It’s awful. I simply don’t understand it.”
“I know the judge’s options were limited, and this sentence might be the minimum. They initially considered a 30-year sentence for attempted murder because he was shooting. Of course, shooting while driving is incredibly dangerous and could harm innocent bystanders. However, he was in a justifiable rage, and many believe the world would be better off if he had killed the perpetrator.”
Velasquez was credited with 1,283 days served before returning to prison after sentencing.
Rogan, who recently commentated at UFC 314 in Miami, an event attended by former President Donald Trump, hopes Trump might pardon Velasquez, possibly with the help of UFC CEO Dana White.
“I hope Trump pardons him,” Rogan said. “I hope Dana can make something happen.”
