Cain Velasquez, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, shocked both the sports and legal world when news broke of his prison sentence following a high-profile shooting incident in 2022. Once celebrated for his dominance in mixed martial arts, Velasquez’s legacy took a controversial turn due to a decision that changed his life forever.
Who Is Cain Velasquez?
Cain Velasquez is a retired American mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion known for his relentless pace, elite wrestling, and knockout power. He reached global stardom by defeating top contenders and becoming one of the most feared heavyweights in MMA history before retiring in 2019.
Why Did Cain Velasquez Go to Prison?
Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to criminal charges related to a shooting and high-speed pursuit in Santa Clara County, California. The charges stemmed from events that unfolded on February 28, 2022, when he chased and fired shots at a vehicle he believed was transporting a man accused of molesting his young child.
The Incident
According to court records, Velasquez pursued a truck carrying Harry Goularte, who had been accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s four-year-old son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s family. Although Goularte was the intended target, the bullets fired from Velasquez’s firearm instead struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Velasquez’s vehicle also collided with the truck during the chase.
Law enforcement arrested Velasquez without incident at the end of the pursuit, and he was charged with attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and other weapons offenses under California law.
What Charges Did He Face?
Velasquez faced a range of serious charges, including:
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Attempted First-Degree Murder
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Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle
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Multiple Counts of Assault With a Firearm
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Discharging a Firearm From a Vehicle
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Carrying a Loaded Firearm With Intent to Commit a Felony
Originally denied bail due to concerns over public safety, Velasquez spent time in jail before being released under house arrest while awaiting trial.
Plea and Sentencing
In August 2024, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea to attempted murder and related charges. A no-contest plea does not admit guilt but accepts punishment as though guilty.
On March 24, 2025, a California judge sentenced Velasquez to five years in prison. Although prosecutors had pushed for a much harsher sentence, even recommending 30 years to life, Velasquez received a relatively lighter sentence after credit for time already served (approximately 1,283 days between jail and house arrest).
Parole Eligibility and Prison Details
Due to credited time served and participation in rehabilitative programs, Velasquez may become eligible for parole as early as March/February 2026 — meaning he could potentially be released sooner than the full five-year term. However, parole eligibility does not guarantee release.
He is currently housed within the California state prison system at facilities such as Wasco State Prison, where inmates are initially processed and evaluated before long-term housing assignments.
Public and Legal Reactions
The sentence generated mixed reactions:
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Supporters argue Velasquez acted out of parental love and fear for his child’s safety.
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Critics, including prosecutors, emphasize that he took the law into his own hands, endangering public safety and setting a dangerous precedent.
In court, Velasquez expressed remorse and regret, acknowledging that his actions were “reckless” and dangerous to others, including innocent bystanders.
Impact on His Legacy
Once one of MMA’s most dominant champions, Velasquez’s reputation is now overshadowed by this legal saga. While many fans continue to respect his fighting career, his decision to pursue vigilante justice has brought intense scrutiny and debate.
Conclusion
Cain Velasquez’s journey from UFC powerhouse to prison inmate is a dramatic and cautionary tale about the consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands. While his actions were driven by distressing personal circumstances, the legal system held him accountable for endangering others and violating the law. His case remains a topic of ongoing discussion about justice, accountability, and the limits of personal retribution.
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