Introduction
Cain Velasquez is a name that resonates with fight fans across the globe — not just for his dominance inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon or his time in WWE, but also for a tragic, highly publicized legal battle that dramatically altered his life and legacy.
From world champion to defendant in a criminal case, Velasquez’s story includes triumph, heartbreak, controversy, and legal consequences that ignited global headlines. This article breaks down everything you need to know — from his career to why he was jailed, what happened with his son, and whether he’s free today.
Early Life and Background
Born July 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, Cain Ramírez Velásquez rose from humble beginnings to become one of the fiercest heavyweights in MMA history. His passion for combat sports began with wrestling in high school and college, where he competed at Arizona State University before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Standing 6′1″ tall with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Velasquez quickly earned a reputation as a relentless striker with world-class cardio in the UFC heavyweight division.
MMA Career: A Rise to Legend Status
Velasquez debuted in the UFC in 2006 and became one of the most dominant heavyweight champions of his era. Known for his explosive pace, wrestling base, and devastating blows, he captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice — in 2010 and again in 2012 — cementing his legacy in MMA history.
Some of his most memorable fights included victories over Brock Lesnar, Junior dos Santos, and Antonio Silva, showcasing his well-rounded skills and resilience against elite opponents.
Transition to WWE
After retiring from MMA in 2019, Velasquez pursued professional wrestling and signed with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). He impressed fans with his athleticism and presence in the ring. However, his run in WWE was relatively brief, largely due to budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic and other personal issues, leading to his release in April 2020.
Personal Life: Family and Son
Cain Velasquez is married to Michelle Velasquez, and together they have two children. His role as a devoted father and family man has been central to how many fans view him — until the events of 2022 changed everything.
The 2022 Incident: What Really Happened?
In February 2022, Velasquez made national headlines not for his performance in a ring or cage — but for a vigilante shooting incident that would lead to a criminal charge.
According to legal filings and media reports, Velasquez engaged in a high-speed car chase through streets in Santa Clara County, California, pursuing a vehicle containing Harry Goularte Jr., who had been previously arrested on suspicion of sexually molesting Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son at a daycare facility owned by Goularte’s family.
Instead of allowing authorities to handle the case, Velasquez armed himself, chased the vehicle for 11 miles, and fired multiple shots with a handgun.
While Goularte was the intended target, the bullets instead struck his stepfather, Paul Bender, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
Why Velasquez Was Arrested and Charged
Authorities arrested Velasquez at the scene without incident. Key charges included:
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Attempted first-degree murder
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Assault with a firearm
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Shooting at a motor vehicle
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Carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony
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Discharging a firearm from a vehicle
Velasquez’s legal troubles began when he decided to take the law into his own hands — something prosecutors argued jeopardized innocent lives, including children and bystanders.
Initially denied bail due to the “risk” he posed, Velasquez eventually made $1 million bail and was released in November 2022, with a requirement to wear a GPS monitor and attend outpatient treatment.
Plea Deal and Legal Outcome
In August 2024, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea to charges including attempted murder and felony assault, avoiding the more severe premeditated murder charges that could have carried life in prison.
On March 24, 2025, a Santa Clara County judge sentenced him to five years in prison, with 1,283 days credited for time already served — including both incarceration and house arrest. He also received four years of supervised probation.
Thanks to time served credits, Velasquez is eligible for parole as early as March 2026, potentially reducing his actual time behind bars far less than the full five-year term.
Current Status: Is Cain Velasquez Free?
As of early 2026, Cain Velasquez is still serving his sentence, but eligible for parole and could be released based on good behaviour, participation in rehabilitation programs, and time already credited.
Despite the conviction, Velasquez has expressed remorse for his actions in interviews, stating that he realizes “we cannot put the law in our own hands” and accepts responsibility for his conduct.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinion
The case stirred intense debate online and in the MMA/WWE communities:
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Supporters argue Velasquez was a protective father driven by frustration with the justice system.
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Critics point out that his actions endangered innocent lives and bypassed lawful procedures.
Some fighters and fans publicly defended him, urging political leaders to intervene, while others emphasized respect for the rule of law.
Impact on Velasquez’s Legacy
The incident drastically reshaped Velasquez’s legacy. Instead of being remembered solely as a legendary UFC champion and WWE star, he is now also defined by a highly publicized legal saga that divided fans and sparked broader conversation about justice, vigilantism, and parental protection.
While the legal consequences are profound, many fans still view him with admiration for his earlier career achievements, creating a complex, dual narrative in sports history.
FAQs About Cain Velasquez
1. Why was Cain Velasquez in jail?
Cain Velasquez was jailed after pleading no contest to attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges following a 2022 shooting and high-speed chase targeting a man accused of molesting his son.
2. Is Cain Velasquez free now?
As of early 2026, Velasquez is still serving his sentence in California, but is eligible for parole as early as March 2026, benefiting from time served credits.
3. What happened to the man he targeted?
The man Velasquez chased — Harry Goularte Jr. — faces felony child molestation charges related to the alleged abuse of Velasquez’s son. Goularte was released on supervised release with GPS monitoring prior to the shooting incident.
4. Did Velasquez’s son survive the incident?
Yes. Velasquez’s son was not injured in the 2022 incident; the shooting was directed at the alleged abuser, and a stepfather in the other vehicle was hit instead.
5. How many years was he sentenced to?
Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence, with most of it credited for time already served, significantly shortening his actual time in custody.
Final Thoughts
Cain Velasquez’s journey — from UFC dominance and WWE stardom to courtroom drama — shows how a single moment can redefine a public figure’s story. While his achievements inside the ring and cage remain legendary, his legal struggles underscore the dangers of taking justice into one’s own hands.
Whether you see him as a protective father or a cautionary tale about vigilantism, Velasquez’s story continues to capture global interest and debate, making it one of the most talked-about sports-legal cases in recent memory.
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