Tag: Cain Velasquez

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: UFC Mexico results, Cain Velasquez sentencing, Conor McGregor done fighting?

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” we discuss the UFC Mexico results, Cain Velasquez’s sentencing, Conor McGregor latest comments, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] finally has a UFC win on home soil. After going 0-2-1 fighting in Mexico under the UFC banner, Moreno defeated [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] this past Saturday in the main event of UFC on ESPN 64. Should Moreno get the next crack at champion Alexandre Pantoja? We discuss Moreno’s big win, plus other key results from UFC Mexico.
  • [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag] received a five-year sentence in prison for a 2022 shooting. This put an end to a heartbreaking case that troubled the MMA community for a while. Velasquez shot a vehicle that had a man who allegedly molested Velasquez’s 4-year-old son at a daycare. Velasquez was credited with 1,283 days of previously time served, meaning he’ll have to serve 542 days behind bars. We react to the verdict of the case and the MMA community’s response.
  • Is [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] done fighting? Well, the UFC superstar made some recent comments that signaled, to many, McGregor’s true intentions on a potential return to the cage. Will we ever see the Irishman set foot in the octagon again? We discuss.
  • New signings, new bookings, and matchups falling through. The often repeating headlines seen week to week in the sport. We discuss [autotag]Kyoji Horiguchi[/autotag]’s return to the UFC, the announcement of the inaugural GFL cards, [autotag]Geoff Neal[/autotag]’s withdrawal from his [autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag] fight, and more.
  • Lastly, we end the show with a look ahead at the two major events going down this weekend: PFL 1, 2025 and UFC on ESPN 65. We preview [autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag], and the welterweight and featherweight tournaments kicking off at Thursday’s PFL event.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

Coach Javier Mendez sheds light on Cain Velasquez sentencing, recounts emotional conversation

Coach Javier Mendez reacted to news of Cain Velasquez’s prison sentence and revealed new details not known prior.

Javier Mendez has been by [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag]’s side through pretty much every life scenario, and that was no different during the former UFC heavyweight champion’s recent legal battle with charges including attempted murder.

Velasquez was sentenced March 24 to five years in prison minus time served after he shot at Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s son at a daycare. Velasquez struck the man’s stepfather resulting in injury.

Mendez hoped Judge Arthur Bocanegra would simply hand Velasquez a time-served sentence, so he was disappointed with the verdict but ultimately praised the judge for his compassion. Mendez also added that he heard the day of the verdict was the second-to-last day for Bocanegra, who was retiring.

Mendez pointed to brain scans that Velasquez took when he was in prison, the results of which showed deficiencies in impulsivity, among other things. The brain issues were previously referenced by Velasquez’s then-attorney, Mark Geragos, but not in-depth.

“I’m not happy with the judgement because he didn’t deserve any more judgement,” Mendez said on the “Javier & Mo Show.” “Obviously, what he did was not right and it was reckless and endangered people’s lives. I agree with that. But there was also a brain scan done of himself when he was in custody. They came and did a brain scan of him and they did a bunch of us, also. They found that Cain had zero impulsivity and ability to control his emotions on stress like that. Basically, his EEG they call it, they did a scan of his brain and they figured out he could not control it. I was blown away. … Cain rated a zero in impulsivity. He couldn’t stop himself. What he did, he couldn’t stop himself. He just reacted. He could not stop it. He was incapable of it. Science proved it was a fact. So he could not do anything about his feelings, his rage. He just went.”

When will Cain Velasquez be released?

While the judge credited Velasquez with 1283 days served, meaning 542 days remained. But as Mendez understands it, Velasquez will only serve somewhere between four and five months due to good behavior.

“Basically Cain has a year-and-a-half left,” Mendez said. “But the way it works, usually, under good behavior, you either get an 85 percent due time or an 80 percent. So depending on where they put Cain, it’ll be either an 80 percent or 85 percent. If he’s at 80 percent, 80 percent of five years is what? It’s four years. So basically, he’ll do four to five months. Or if it’s an 85, he’ll probably do eight months with good behavior. I know he’s going to be because when he’s in there, do you know what he’s going to be? He’s going to be an asset to the prisoners that are in there. He’s going to be an unbelievable teacher to teach them what it takes to be a man and a father because that’s exactly who he is – and a proud man.”

“I would’ve done worse”

Mendez reiterated what his student Velasquez did was not right, but said he understood it. In fact, Mendez said if he was in Velasquez’s shoes the only thing he would’ve done differently would’ve been to act more strategically.

“To be honest with you, because I wouldn’t be able to think clearly, I would’ve done worse,” Mendez said. “Because I would have been of clear mind. I would’ve made that guy look at my face when I did it to him. I would’ve done worse. I would’ve done worse. I’m not going to sit here and say I would’ve done the same thing that he did. No, no. I would’ve thought it out properly. I would’ve done it and I would’ve found a way where no one could figure out it was me. I would’ve done it. I would’ve done it. I would’ve done it while he looked at me for what he did to my child. I would’ve had him look at me while I punished him. I would’ve done that. I know that. That’s how severe it is for us as parents. You touch our child and we’re going to do whatever we can to make sure you never touch another child.”

[lawrence-related id=2814454,2814475]

Emotional conversation with Velasquez

Mendez spoke for about 30 minutes on the topic of Velasquez. There was emotionally-charged dialogue throughout. But nothing choked him up more than recalling when Velasquez relayed to him that he’d told his son about what happened.

Mendez recalled, “Cain says to me, he says, ‘Guess what?’ I go, ‘What?’ Because he’s kind of goofy like that. I go, ‘What?’ He goes, ‘What do you mean, what?’ He goes, ‘I told him.’ I go, ‘What do you mean? You told who?’ (He says), ‘I told my son.’ I go, ‘What did you tell your son?’ He goes, ‘I told him why I was gone.’ I go, ‘Oh. Why?’ He goes, ‘Well, he needed to know why I was gone.’ I go, ‘No, you’re right about that. He did need to know why you were gone because it’s important for him to know. What did he say? Did he say anything?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, he said, ‘Don’t do it again.” Now think about that. ‘Don’t do it again. Don’t do it again. Don’t be gone again.’ Now, while I’m speaking to his lawyer, who is awesome, her name is Renee Hessling. She did an awesome job. Renee, thumbs up to you. You did an awesome job. And the judge, you too. I know your hands were tied. I broke up. I started crying. I couldn’t talk to her.”

Above all else, Mendez said he hopes Velasquez’s young son will be OK. The boy already had to endure eight months of his father being gone, and now may have to do so through Goularte’s trial, which is set to be scheduled out in June.

“What about the boy? What about him?” Mendez said. “What’s going to happen to him now that his father is going to be away and his father can be there for him day and night while he’s going through the ideal with the court case? Because you know it’s going to be really rough on him.”

Cain Velasquez attorney reacts to prison sentence with mixed emotions: ‘Today’s results are bittersweet’

The attorney who represented Cain Velasquez reacted to Monday’s prison sentence with a mix of emotions.

[autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag]’s legal team feels a mix of emotions coming out of their client’s sentencing.

Over three years after his arrest on attempted murder and other charges, Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence in Santa Clara County court Monday in San Jose, Calif.. The sentence will be reduced by time served.

Lead Velasquez defense attorney Renee Hessling asked Judge Arthur Bocanegra during Monday’s hearing for no prison time, while the district attorney’s office requested 25 years to life.

Hessling told MMA Junkie shortly after the verdict that she was disappointed Velasquez will have to serve time, but was optimistic about his future.

“Today’s results are bittersweet — we had hoped Mr. Velasquez would remain out of jail,” Hessling said in a written statement Monday. “However, the facts remain clear: Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community. What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare—one they did not deserve.

“Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines. When he is released, he will continue to lead by example—protecting, contributing, and caring for the people around him.”

[lawrence-related id=2813360,2813448]

Velasquez, 42, was immediately taken into custody following the reading of the decision, so he has not yet released a statement himself. However, he openly accepted responsibility for his actions prior to Bocanegra’s final decision and said he would take whatever punishment came his way on the chin. He’d initially pleaded not guilty to charges, but changed to a no contest.

The charges stemmed from a Feb. 28, 2022 incident when Velasquez drove his truck in a high-speed pursuit of another vehicle. Velasquez fired a handgun at the vehicle, which was later revealed to be carrying Goularte and family, who ran the daycare Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son attended. Goularte had been arrested days prior for allegedly molesting the young boy repeatedly.

The gunfire from Velasquez penetrated the Goularte’s vehicle and struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, causing an injury to the man’s arm. The Goularte family has repeatedly voiced fear for their lives.

Outside the courthouse after the verdict, Patricia Goularte and Bender spoke to reporters.

“The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis,” Patricia Goularte said. “It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that as we do have ample amount of evidence to do that. It’s sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”

Goularte is set for a June 2 trial start and has pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor.

Santa Clara County district attorney Jeff Rosen issued a written reaction statement Monday to MMA Junkie in which he discouraged vigilante-esque justice.

“One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands left an innocent man wounded and endangered schoolchildren, teachers, and many others in our community,” Rosen said. “If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”

Cain Velasquez sentenced to prison after pleading no contest to attempted murder

Former UFC star Cain Velasquez has been sentenced for the 2022 shooting of an alleged child molester.

(Editor’s note: This story was updated to reflect new information)

Former UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag] has been sentenced to five years in prison, minus time served, for a 2022 shooting.

Velasquez, 42, appeared at a sentencing hearing Monday at Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, Calif., after pleading no contest to charges, including attempted murder, and was handed a five-year sentence, according to NBC Bay Area.

Five years from the day of his arrest is Feb. 28, 2027.

According to multiple reporters in the courtroom, including veteran MMA journalist Josh Gross, Judge Arthur Bolcanegra said Velasquez will be credited with 1,283 days. That means he’ll have to serve 542 days behind bars.

Seventy spectators were on hand in the courtroom, according to KTVU FOX 2. Impact statements from Velasquez, his 15-year-old daughter, and his wife were read, in addition to statements from shooting target Harry Goularte and his family.

While prosecutors asked the judge for 30 years to life, the defense requested no prison time. An emotional Judge Bocanegra handed out his final ruling after a lunch recess.

In a statement, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands left an innocent man wounded and endangered schoolchildren, teachers, and many others in our community. If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”

The charges stemmed from a February 2022 incident when Velasquez drove his truck in a high-speed pursuit of another vehicle. Velasquez fired a handgun at the vehicle, which was later revealed to be carrying Goularte and family, who ran the daycare Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son attended. Goularte had been arrested days prior for allegedly molesting the young boy repeatedly.

The gunfire from Velasquez penetrated the Goularte’s vehicle and struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, causing an injury to the man’s arm. The Goularte family has repeatedly voiced fear for their lives.

Outside the courthouse after the verdict, Patricia Goularte and Bender spoke to reporters.

“The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis,” Patricia Goularte said. “It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that as we do have ample amount of evidence to do that. It’s sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts. We do look forward to that. I’m glad that we’re supported by all of our family members, friends, and multiple years of daycare children. If you notice (that are here) young children that grew up in that facility, none of which will back any of those allegations made by the Velasquez family.”

Velasquez spent nearly nine months incarcerated in a jail cell and was denied bail until an appeal resulted in a different judge’s approval of conditional release. Judge Bocanegra pointed to Velasquez’s standing in the community and the swell of public support and protest as boosting his decision.

Velasquez had remained on GPS monitoring and was permitted to partake in various professional wrestling matches and MMA-related events.

In an interview days prior to the sentencing, Velasquez said he fully accepted responsibility for his actions and was willing to face the music.

“What I did was not correct,” Velasquez said. “I understand that. I paid, and I’ll pay whatever else as far as what I have to do to pay all that back. I don’t think I can pay it back, but I can always learn from my mistakes and help others. It’s just information that you never know anybody. Trust your kids. Have that open communication with your kids. When you do go to the bathroom with them when (they’re) very young, you can work your way in there as far as talking to them about what’s appropriate and what is not, so they know to tell you and they can always tell you whenever something is not correct. So as far as that goes, it’s basically that the more we get consciously aware of ourselves, the more that light shines on dark things, especially things like that.”

“… Even with that family and what they’ve done, I can’t have hate like that for them because there are things that I have to move on to and give love to my kids and give love to the people around. I’ve got to share this with everybody, so I can’t give hate to them at all. I wish them healing in the best way, whatever that is. I wish that for them. I understand that they have traumas, as well. It’s not right to spread it – no. I’m glad they themselves have stopped because they can’t practice any more as far as daycare. With my own time, I’ve forgiven them and everything else, and I know my kids are great.”

In addition to attempted murder, Velasquez had been charged with shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft (one count), assault with a firearm (three counts), assault with a deadly weapon (three counts), willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle (one count) and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony (one count). He faced 20 years to life for the attempted murder charge alone.

Goularte has pleaded not guilty to one charge of lewd acts with a minor and is set for a June 2 trial.

There is also a separate civil lawsuit filed by the Velasquezs against the Goularte family and their associated businesses. The daycare, which was run by Goularte’s mother Patricia, has shut down.

‘This is awful’: UFC fighters react to Cain Velasquez’s prison sentence in attempted murder case

Notable UFC and MMA fighters displayed public support for Cain Velasquez after he was sentenced to five years in prison.

As has been the case since the situation occurred in 2022, the MMA community largely has thrown its support behind former UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag] during a difficult moment.

Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison, including time served, Monday stemming from his well documented attempted murder case, to which he pleaded no contest. Subsequent reporting after sentencing indicates Velasquez could only be incarcerated for one to two years in the best case scenario, but many appear to believe even that might be too harsh.

Notable names from throughout the UFC roster and elsewhere in the sport shared thoughts on the news on social media, with unanimous backing of Velasquez.

[lawrence-related id=451521]

* * * *

Cain Velasquez opens up about shooting ahead of sentencing: ‘We cannot put the law in our own hands’

Cain Velasquez is at peace ahead of Monday’s sentencing for attempted murder and other charges, so much so that he says he forgives the family of the man accused of molesting his son.

[autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag] will accept whatever fate comes his way Monday in California court room.

Three years after his arrest on attempted murder and other charges, Velasquez is set for sentencing in Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose. While he’s remained largely quiet on the specifics of the 2022 shooting and the circumstances surrounding it, Velasquez recently spoke openly to former teammate Kyle Kingsbury on Kyle Kingsbury Podcast.

“From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things was not the way to do it,” Velasquez said. “We cannot put the law in our own hands. … I’ve already pled guilty [no contest], so I’m going to get a sentencing (Monday). I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to (in order) to pay that back. Whatever the court feels correct for what I have to do, I’m going to do it with my head up and still be me and not play the blame game. It was me that did that and reacted in that way.”

Velasquez was arrested in February 2022 after he pursued a vehicle carrying a man, Harry Goularte, accused of molesting Velasquez’s then 4-year-old son, and fired a handgun at it several times in a high-speed daytime chase. Velasquez struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, resulting in an arm injury.

“What I did was not correct,” Velasquez said. “I understand that. I paid and I’ll pay whatever else as far as what I have to do to pay all that back. I don’t think I can pay it back, but I can always learn from my mistakes and help others. It’s just information that you never know anybody. Trust your kids. Have that open communication with your kids. When you do go to the bathroom with them when (they’re) very young, you can work your way in there as far as talking to them about what’s appropriate and what is not, so they know to tell you and they can always tell you whenever something is not correct. So as far as that goes, it’s basically that the more we get consciously aware of ourselves, the more that light shines on dark things, especially things like that.”

[lawrence-related id=2813105,2813272]

As for Goularte’s family, Velasquez said he holds no ill will and has forgiven them. Goularte’s mother, Patricia Goularte, ran the daycare where the alleged molestation occurred.

“Even with that family and what they’ve done, I can’t have hate like that for them because there are things that I have to move on to and give love to my kids and give love to the people around,” Velasquez said. “I’ve got to share this with everybody, so I can’t give hate to them at all. I wish them healing in the best way, whatever that is. I wish that for them. I understand that they have traumas, as well. It’s not right to spread it – no. I’m glad they themselves have stopped because they can’t practice any more as far as daycare. With my own time, I’ve forgiven them and everything else and I know my kids are great.”

Velasquez initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. In August, the plea was changed to a no contest, which indicates the prosecution and defense have likely reached an agreement. That agreement could be revealed Monday in San Jose, barring any continuances.

Regardless of what punishments he may face, Velasquez said he has a new, enlightened mindset of what is most important to him in life – and that’s what he’s hanging onto.

“Everything is divinely orchestrated and my kids are amazing,” Velasquez said. “My son is amazing. He’s one of the strongest, funniest kids that I know. He’s my best friend. I’m proud of him for who he is. This will not define him. He’s meant for greater and my daughter as well. They were both made for great things and I’m just like … I’m so blessed to live this life with you. You help me, I help you. It’s not like I’m teaching you; you’re teaching me, as well. I’m just f*cking loving that I get to be with you at this moment. This is sacred, the most sacred, to be with another version of yourself. Just to relive your own childhood and do better. … I love that I get to see the excitement that I had as a child, now I get to see it through their eyes. I just sit and observe, like, ‘Yeah, that’s what it is.’ So … yes.”

Goularte is set for trial June 2 and faces one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. Goularte has pleaded not guilty.

[vertical-gallery id=451521]

Photos: Cain Velasquez through the years

Check out these photos highlighting Cain Velasquez’s career through the years.

Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag]’s career through the years.

GFL announces new draft entrees, managers, coaches, and team cities

The fledgling Global Fight League continued to get its business in order Thursday.

The fledgling Global Fight League continued to get its business in order Thursday with several important announcements.

Last month, the GFL, headed by co-founder Darren Owen, announced plans for its official launch this year, with the concept of team-based mixed martial arts at the forefront.

The GFL will feature six teams from six cities competing in a league format that includes playoffs. As part of its initial announcement, the GFL said it had signed a plethora of big-name fighters – chalk full of former UFC champions and legends of the sport – ahead of a scheduled Jan. 24 draft date. The GFL hopes to put on its first event in April.

On Thursday, the promotion announced new draft entrees, team locations, as well as team managers and coaches.

Who are the new GFL draft entrees?

The GFL confirmed that [autotag]Renan Barao[/autotag], [autotag]Todd Duffee[/autotag], [autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag], [autotag]Chad Mendes[/autotag], [autotag]Yoel Romero[/autotag], [autotag]Mauricio Rua[/autotag], and [autotag]Ovince Saint Preux[/autotag] will enter the draft.

The GFL’s announcement also teased that “additional athletes will be revealed in the days leading up to the draft.”

Where will the GFL teams be located?

Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Sao Paulo will serve as the homebase for the GFL’s six teams.

Who will manage and coach the GFL teams?

The coaches and managers for the six GFL teams will be as follows:

  • Dubai – Former UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag], who awaits sentencing after pleading no contest to an attempted murder charge in California, will be manager, with American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez serving as coach.
  • London – Six-fight UFC veteran [autotag]Luke Barnatt[/autotag] will manager, while Manchester Top Team’s Carl Prince will coach.
  • Los Angeles – UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Wanderlei Silva[/autotag] will be the manager for the L.A. team, with famed coach Rafael Cordeiro.
  • Miami – The American Top Team duo of [autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] (manager) and Conan Silveira (coach) will lead the way for Miami.
  • New York – No manager has been determined, but Ray Longo will serve as coach.
  • Sao Paulo – Former UFC champion [autotag]Lyoto Machida[/autotag] (manager) and legendary coach Andre Pederneiras (coach) will head the Brazilian squad.

Trial date set for Harry Goularte, man accused of molesting Cain Velasquez’s son

Nearly three years after his arrest, the man accused of molesting Cain Velasquez’s son will go to trial.

The man accused of molesting the son of former UFC heavyweight champion [autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag] has a jury trial date set in a near-three-year-long criminal case.

Harry Goularte did not appear in person for a trial setting hearing Wednesday in Santa Clara county (Calif.) court, though he did join electronically as he was given a June 2 jury trial date by judge Benjamin Williams.

Williams ordered Goularte must appear in person for his jury trial.

Goularte faces one felony count of lewd acts with a minor after he was accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son at a daycare owned and operated by his mother in February 2022.

Since his arrest, Goularte has been out on bail with GPS monitoring. He has maintained his innocence and has pleaded not guilty.

Days after his arrest and release, Goularte and his family were allegedly pursued in a high-speed car chase during which Velasquez pursued them and fired a handgun that struck and injured Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender.

Velasquez was arrested on a litany of felony charges, including attempted murder. He was held without bail for nine months before he was eventually released on $1 million bail with conditions in November 2022.

Initially, Velasquez pleaded not guilty to all charges. In August, he pleaded no contest in an apparent deal with prosecutors. He is set for sentencing Jan. 24.

The Velasquez family is suing the Goularte and his family, as well as their associated businesses, in an ongoing civil lawsuit.

Ex-UFC champ Cain Velasquez explains why he doesn’t see Tom Aspinall beating Jon Jones

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez gives his prediction on a potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

Many see [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] as the guy to beat [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] in MMA. However, a man who knows a thing or two about being “The Baddest Man on the Planet” thinks otherwise.

[autotag]Cain Velasquez[/autotag], former UFC heavyweight champion, doesn’t see Jones losing to Aspinall should they meet in a UFC heavyweight title unification bout this year. Velasquez has seen some things in the Englishman’s game, and he’s sure Jones has seen them, too.

“No, I don’t think he does,” Velasquez told Ariel Helwani when asked if he thinks Aspinall would beat Jones. “Me just watching him, I kind of see his pattern a little bit in his striking, the way he comes in and strikes. I think Jon sees it too.

“Again, Jon studies, man. He does his homework, you know. He’s a master at this. He analyzes things and studies things over and over again. I think just for that reason, he’s going to know what to do. I don’t think he beats Jon, no.”

There’s nothing official in regard to a potential heavyweight clash between Jones and Aspinall. However, in December, UFC CEO Dana White said he’d 100 percent guarantee the fight would happen in 2025. Jones holds the UFC heavyweight title, and Aspinall is the interim. Both men have defended their belts once.

It’s uncertain if the bout will come to fruition or if Jones will retire. But if the fight does happen, Velasquez think Jones will dissect him and beat him, just as he has everybody else he’s fought.

“Everybody has a fight pattern and he has a fight pattern,” Velasquez said. “Some disguise it better than others. … (Aspinall) does have a pattern that’s somewhat easier to find, when he comes in and strikes. So a lot of things come with that, disguising your pattern, throwing fakes here and there, but when he comes in and attacks, he attacks. It’s 100 percent full go. He comes in, glides in, lunges in, and does his attack. Not that is not effective, it is. He’s done great things with it, look at where he’s at now. But I think the type of guy that Jon Jones is, I think he studies him and beats him because of that.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]