Joe Rogan has put forth his assessment of Cain Velasquez’s prison sentence in the wake of the latter’s long-running legal battle. Rogan suggested that Velasquez wasn’t a threat to society and shouldn’t be behind bars.
Back in Feb. 2022, Velasquez reportedly pursued Harry Goularte Jr. in a high-speed vehicle chase in Santa Clara County, Calif. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion allegedly shot at a vehicle carrying Goularte Jr., his mother Patricia, and his stepfather Paul Bender. Bender was reportedly injured in the shooting. Velasquez was later arrested and spent around eight months in jail and two years under house arrest.
Joe Rogan’s opinion on recent developments in Cain Velasquez’s legal battle
Per ESPN, Harry Goularte Jr. was accused of having molested Cain Velasquez’s son at the daycare center owned by his mother. A number of MMA personalities, such as UFC CEO Dana White, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, and others, publicly vocalized their support for Velasquez.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra handed Velasquez a five-year prison sentence in March 2025. Since the retired MMA legend was credited with 1,283 days of time served, he was expected to serve 542 days more to complete 1,825 days or approximately five years. As such, Velasquez is expected to be out of prison on parole around March 2026.
On “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Rogan has time and again expressed his support for Velasquez. On episode #166 of the “JRE MMA Show” this month (April 2025), the UFC commentator hosted former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and alluded to the prison sentence handed to Velasquez.
Reiterating his support for Velasquez, Rogan said, “He [Velasquez] did what every father would have done. If you’re not a father, you do not understand the murderous rage you would have if some man molested your baby. If there’s ever a plea for temporary insanity, that’s the plea.”
“Everybody understands it. He should never have gone to jail. He’s not a threat to society. He’s not a danger. He shouldn’t be in prison. And he has already done three years.”
Moreover, alluding to how Velasquez faced serious charges, including attempted murder, Rogan added:
“I mean, I just don’t understand … I mean, the judge’s hands are tied; they had to make the sentence. This is, I think, the minimum amount. They were trying to give him 30 years for attempted murder because he was just shooting at this guy. And obviously, when you’re driving and shooting, you could miss him and kill a bystander. It’s very dangerous. But also, the guy was in a murderous rage for a good reason, for a good reason. And if he killed that guy, the world would be better off. That’s my view.”
Check out Rogan’s comments below: