Khabib Nurmagomedov has three-word message to Cain Velasquez after prison sentence

Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder. This charge stems from a 2022 incident in which Velasquez fired shots at a man accused of molesting his young son.

The incident occurred in February 2022, when Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile high-speed car chase, firing multiple shots at the vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting his son. However, Velasquez missed Goularte and instead struck his stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Velasquez’s sentencing has sparked a mixed reaction, with some MMA personalities expressing their displeasure. Notably, Velasquez will receive credit for time served, which includes nearly three years spent in custody and under home confinement. Consequently, he is expected to serve around 18 months to two years before being eligible for release.

The news has elicited reactions from several MMA fighters, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, a friend and former training partner of Velasquez at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).

“Stay strong lion” Khabib Nurmagomedov via instagram story voices his support for long time friend Cain Velasquez.

Khabib Nurmagomedov previously came in support of his teammate in one of his interviews with TMZ.

“ I want to shake his hand, give him good energy. Anybody in the world who respects himself, who loves his family, is going to do the same thing, exactly.” said Nurmagomedov.

MMA community stands by Cain Velasquez

Several other fighters reacted to the news and expressed their support for Velasquez.

Former BMF champ Jorge Masvidal reacted to the news. “#FREECAIN” tweeted masvidal.

Former Lightweight contender Michael Chiesa Tweeted the following:

“Cain shouldn’t serve any jail time. In the heat of the moment, what man wouldn’t have 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.”

“This is awful,” said former 185 division champion Chris Weidman.

Numerous MMA fighters like Gilbert Burns, Darren Till, Derek Brunson and Joanna jedrzejczyk came in support and used hashtag “#FREECAIN.”

Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, it’s clear that Cain Velasquez’s situation has sparked a wider conversation about justice, family and loyalty.

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