Bryce Mitchell calls on authorities to pardon Cain Velasquez, suggests harsh punishment for crimes against children

C. Velasquez was arrested for attempted murder (Photo: San Jose Police)

A Cain Velasquez conviction to five years in prison last Monday (24) generated a series of reactions from several MMA personalities. The former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) was responsible for a shooting in California in February 2022, when he chased and shot at a truck carrying a Harry Goularte, accused of molesting his four-year-old son. In the midst of this situation, Bryce mitchell came out publicly to express his support for the former fighter.

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Known for his strong opinions, Mitchell wasted no time in showing his understanding of Velasquez's situation. The American even appealed to the authorities to forgive the former fighter in a video posted on social media.

“Forgive Cain Velazquez and send these child molesters to death. That's what I would do," said Mitchell, who faces Jean Silva No. UFC 314.

️ Bryce mitchell: “Pardon Cain Velazquez and put these child molesters to death. That's what I would do.”

@ThugnastyMMA #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/EOXqz0STxI

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 25, 2025

Velasquez regretted what happened

Cain Velazquez He had been under house arrest since November 2022. More recently, in an interview with former Ultimate athlete Kyle Kingsbury, he expressed regret for what he had done.

“We can’t take the law into our own hands. I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just the people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make amends,” Cain said.

Harry Goularte is accused of molesting his young son Cain Velazquez (Photo: Reproduction)

At the time of the shooting, Goularte was traveling to San Jose to retrieve an electronic monitoring bracelet. The chase lasted about 17 kilometers and when he started shooting, the former fighter shot the defendant's stepfather, who was driving the truck, twice. The bullets hit his arm and torso, but the man recovered from his injuries.