Once celebrated as one of the most formidable heavyweights in UFC history, Cain Velasquez’s legacy has taken a somber turn. The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, known for his relentless fighting style and dedication to the sport, now finds himself behind bars, serving a five-year prison sentence for attempted murder.
In February 2022, Velasquez was involved in a high-speed chase in San Jose, California, pursuing Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s then four-year-old son. During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots from his registered .40 handgun at a vehicle carrying Goularte and two others, injuring Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender . Velasquez later pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault, and gun charges, leading to his sentencing on March 24, 2025.
Upon his transfer to Wasco State Prison, Velasquez posed for a new mugshot, appearing serious and stoic . Despite facing a potential 30-year sentence, the court acknowledged his remorse and lack of prior criminal history, resulting in a reduced sentence. With credit for time already served, Velasquez is expected to spend approximately one more year in prison.
Velasquez’s fall from grace serves as a poignant reminder of how personal tragedy can lead even the most disciplined individuals down a path of irreversible decisions. His story is a testament to the complexities of justice, the depths of parental instinct, and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from taking the law into one’s own hands.
Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Prison for 2022 Shooting Incident
