UFC champion Cain Velasquez is fighting for freedom after being sentenced to prison for defending his family. Supporters say he’s paid his debt and deserves a second chance. Now, they’re calling on President Donald Trump to step in and fix what many see as a broken system punishing a father for protecting his child.
Velasquez shot at a man accused of molesting his four-year-old son during a car chase in 2022. While the bullet hit the suspect’s stepfather instead, conservatives argue any parent would take drastic action to shield their family from harm. The legal system slapped Velasquez with a five-year sentence, but he’s already served over three years behind bars.
The problem? This isn’t a federal case—it’s a California state crime. President Trump can’t legally pardon Velasquez, but allies like former UFC fighter Luke Rockhold believe Trump’s influence could push Governor Gavin Newsom to act. They say California’s liberal leadership cares more about criminals than heroes who stand up for their kids.
Rockhold and other MMA stars describe Velasquez as a “big teddy bear” who visits children’s hospitals and helps his community. They claim the justice system failed him by ignoring the trauma his family endured. “He’s not a threat,” Rockhold insists, highlighting that Velasquez has shown remorse and obeyed strict house arrest rules for years.
Critics argue the man Velasquez targeted hasn’t even faced trial yet for the molestation charges. His mother calls the shooting “unfounded,” but conservatives counter that the real injustice is leaving a father to rot in jail while accused predators walk free.
Velasquez apologized in court, calling his actions “reckless,” but stressed he’d do anything to protect his son. He’s lost his UFC career and now faces more jail time despite already paying a steep price. Supporters say this punishment sends a dangerous message—that defending your family makes you a criminal.
Governor Newsom holds the power to pardon Velasquez, but many doubt he’ll side with a law-and-rights approach. That’s why Trump’s voice matters. A strong leader, they argue, could pressure California to do the right thing and honor the values of justice and family first.
This case isn’t just about one man—it’s about whether America still believes in standing up for what’s right. Velasquez’s supporters hope Trump will champion the cause, proving that true leadership protects those who protect their own.
