Cain Velasquez Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison: Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Faces Consequences for Attempted Murder

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Prison

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault, and related gun offenses. The 42-year-old MMA legend was involved in a high-profile shooting incident in California in 2022.

The Incident and Legal Proceedings

Velasquez was arrested after firing multiple shots at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, a man facing felony child molestation charges, along with two other individuals. One of the passengers, Paul Bender, sustained injuries to his arm and torso during the incident, which included an 11-mile car chase.

The case drew significant attention due to Velasquez's fame and the nature of Goularte's legal troubles. Goularte, who was the intended target of the attack, has pleaded not guilty to the child molestation allegations.

Velasquez's Statement and Sentencing

In a recent interview on the Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, Velasquez took full responsibility for his actions:

"We cannot put the law in our own hands. I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people. Not just people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did and I'm willing to do everything I have to [do] to pay that back."

Velasquez's lawyer, Renee Hessling, called the ruling "bittersweet," expressing disappointment that her client would serve prison time. However, due to 1,283 days of time served—much of it under house arrest—his actual sentence was reduced.

Velasquez's UFC Legacy

Before his legal troubles, Velasquez was one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. He competed in the UFC 15 times, capturing the heavyweight title twice with victories over legends like Brock Lesnar and Junior dos Santos. He retired in 2019 after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, finishing his career with a 14-3 record.

What's Next for Velasquez?

The case raises discussions about vigilantism, legal accountability, and the personal struggles of retired athletes. Velasquez’s sentencing marks a dramatic turn in the life of one of MMA's most respected competitors.

For more MMA updates, follow BBC Sport for the latest news, schedules, and fighter profiles.