“I would have done worse. Because I would be in my clear mind. I would have done worse.” Those were the words of Team Khabib head coach Javier Mendez, expressing the deep-seated emotions many feel when it comes to protecting their loved ones. His statement resonates strongly in light of the latest court ruling involving former UFC heavyweight kingpin Cain Velasquez. This week, the Santa Clara County court sentenced the former champion to five years in prison after convicting him of assault, attempted murder, and firearm-related offenses.

The case stems from a 2022 incident in which Velasquez, driven by rage, took matters into his own hands. Armed with a gun, he pursued the man who allegedly molested his son. However, in the heat of the moment, he accidentally shot the alleged perpetrator’s father, who was also in the vehicle. The verdict has sparked widespread outrage within the MMA community, with many arguing that the former champ has already served enough time. Since his arrest in 2022, he has spent 1,283 days behind bars, including time under house arrest—just four months short of four years.

Since then, the case has sparked intense debate, splitting public opinion. Some condemned Velasquez’s actions as reckless vigilante justice, while others sympathized with him as a father acting out of desperation. In light of this division, former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold expressed, “He’s done his time,” while featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell has openly called for the San Jose native to receive a “pardon.”

Amid the ongoing debate, former police officer-turned-MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy weighed in on his ‘Weighing In’ podcast, offering a perspective shaped by both his law enforcement background and his experience as a father. “Cain [Velasquez] was wrong,” McCarthy admitted. “He hurt somebody he didn’t intend to. He wanted to target someone else in that car, but he acted in a way he shouldn’t have.”

Despite his initial condemnation, the former referee also acknowledged the emotional complexity of Cain Velasquez’s actions, showing empathy from a father’s perspective. “I don’t blame him for it. I would do the same. And I think any father who says they couldn’t be pushed to that point is either lying or not a good father.”

McCarthy’s comments have resonated deeply within the MMA community with many showing support for the Salinas export, acknowledging the emotional turmoil that drove his actions. Fans and former fighters alike believe that Trump’s influence could be crucial in securing a pardon for Velasquez. Until then, let’s hear another UFC star’s reaction to the matter.

Brandon Moreno came out in support of Cain Velasquez following the verdict

Ali Abdelaziz, Team Khabib’s manager, vented his frustration with the Santa Clara district attorney, who had originally pushed for a 30-year sentence for Cain Velasquez. “This is why I will never live in California,” he wrote, sharply criticizing both the law and the justice system, and advocating for the former champion’s freedom. Abdelaziz is far from alone in this view, with many UFC fighters rallying behind the “#FREECain” campaign on social media. UFC flyweight contender Brandon Moreno also joined the movement, expressing his disappointment with the “bittersweet” verdict.

As the UFC heads to Mexico, this weekend for an event where Moreno will face Steve Erceg in the main event, Cain Velasquez’s five-year prison sentence for attempted murder became a focal point during the pre-fight press conference. The situation has sparked widespread discussion, with fighters and journalists alike weighing in.

Moreno voiced his thoughts, stating, “Sadly, you realize that legality has nothing to do with justice. It’s sad, and I feel very sorry for Cain because I would have done the same in his situation. I would have loved for the law to be on our side.” Although Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years, his good behavior and the time he’s already served—over three and a half years, including house arrest—could potentially shorten his sentence. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.