Javier Mendez, the long-time coach and close friend of Cain Velasquez, continues to express unwavering support for the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Velasquez`s legal proceedings concluded in March of this year when he received a five-year prison sentence, which includes time already served. This sentence followed his plea of no-contest to various charges, including attempted murder, related to his 2022 arrest. The charges stemmed from an incident where Velasquez engaged in a high-speed chase and fired a .40-caliber handgun into a vehicle occupied by Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s son. Paul Bender, Goularte`s stepfather, was struck by a bullet and suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.
Despite the expectation that Velasquez, who is 42, will serve less than two additional years behind bars, Mendez firmly believes he should not spend any more time incarcerated. Speaking to Canal Encarada, Mendez stated, “They got it wrong. He shouldn’t have got any time.” He acknowledged that Velasquez`s actions were incorrect but argued that a father protecting his children can act irrationally and “lose his head.” Mendez cited an EEG test (electroencephalogram) conducted on Velasquez, which reportedly showed “zero impulsivity and zero control,” indicating a severe lack of reasoned thought similar to road rage. Mendez feels this condition is something that can be treated and is currently being worked on, suggesting it should not be grounds for a prison sentence. While reiterating that Velasquez`s actions were undeniably wrong, Mendez stood by his assertion that the sentence was unjust.
Mendez went further, contemplating the potential reaction of others if Velasquez had only targeted the person accused of molesting his child. In a controversial statement, he claimed he would have personally “killed the guy,” but stressed he would have acted differently than Velasquez, ensuring he was “more secretly” involved and not present when the act occurred. He emphasized the primal protective instinct parents feel: “You mess with my child? I’m sorry, it’s a whole different ballgame. You’re not going to touch my children.” Mendez concluded by reaffirming his belief that Velasquez was not thinking clearly at the time of the incident and that the court made the wrong decision with the sentencing.
Velasquez has been transferred to Wasco State Prison near Bakersfield, California, and is eligible for parole in March 2026. This date could potentially be moved earlier based on factors like his behavior and participation in prison programs. Mendez is confident Velasquez is coping well in prison, having heard positive reports from both guards and inmates. He described Velasquez as “the most beautiful, genuine person you could ever meet,” highlighting his kindness and willingness to help others, which leads Mendez to believe Velasquez is safe within the prison environment.
Mendez shared that his greatest concern is the upcoming court case for Velasquez`s son, scheduled for June. He expressed the emotional distress of the situation, imagining the boy, who was allegedly molested, being confused about his father`s absence while facing his alleged abuser in court. Harry Goularte, accused of the molestation at his mother`s daycare in San Martin, California, is set for his next court appearance in June. The Velasquez family is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against Goularte and the daycare.
Mendez also expressed relief that the sentence was not worsened by the prosecutor, whom he considers overly aggressive. He sharply criticized the prosecutor, calling him “a piece of shit” for pushing for a 30-year sentence and suggesting he prioritized career advancement over justice by falsely portraying Velasquez as a menace. Mendez insisted that anyone familiar with Cain Velasquez knows he is a person who instills a sense of safety and is someone you would trust implicitly to protect yourself and your children.
