Cain Velasquez says a return to MMA would require a payday no one is willing to offer, and made clear he has no interest in competing or coaching again.
Velasquez appeared at the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano ceremonial weigh-ins two weeks ago to oversee the heavyweight faceoffs, leading some to speculate about a potential comeback. He quickly dismissed that idea on the Weighing In podcast with Josh Thomson.
“The money has to make me want to do it because, I’ve said this before, I don’t want to do it. I have other interests now. But the money really has to make me want to do it, and I don’t think anybody is willing to pay that.”
At 43 and having not competed since 2019, Velasquez was honest about what a return would realistically look like.
“I mean, I can always fight again, but to what degree is something different, as well. Of course, we could always do it. But to what degree are you doing it at?”
He also ruled out a coaching path back into the sport despite spending time at American Kickboxing Academy helping younger fighters.
“In that way, I don’t. It doesn’t interest me anymore. I get so into what I’m doing that, whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t do it for me anymore.”
Velasquez’s last fight came in February 2019 when Francis Ngannou knocked him out in 26 seconds. He paroled in February after a 10-month prison term following a no contest plea to an attempted murder charge on a man accused of molesting his son.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has broken his silence with a heartfelt Instagram video message, expressing his gratitude to fans and the MMA community for their support during his time behind bars.
Velasquez, 43, was released from California State Prison on February 15, 2026, after serving approximately 11 months in custody. He had been sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025 following a no-contest plea to charges stemming from a 2022 shooting incident in which he chased and fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte — a man accused of repeatedly molesting his then-4-year-old son. Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days of pre-sentence time served while awaiting sentencing.
Now a few weeks removed from his release, the former two-time heavyweight champion addressed his supporters directly in a video posted to Instagram:
“I just wanna thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of encouragement constantly lift me up. I just wanna take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support. You have no idea what your words, encouragement, and love have meant to me and my family. Just thank you.”
Velasquez also noted that he has been taking the transition back to normal life slowly, saying he didn’t want to overwhelm himself adjusting to a new rhythm after his time away. He closed the video with a simple but telling sentiment: “It’s good to be out.”
The MMA world rallied widely behind Velasquez throughout his legal ordeal. UFC CEO Dana White wrote a letter to the court on his behalf, describing him as a “model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself”.
Velasquez still has a June 3 court appearance scheduled to determine the amount of restitution he owes, while Goularte’s criminal case remains ongoing.
Cain Velasquez was released on parole today and is exploring hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area. Velasquez posted on Instagram about his release and plans for the seminar, which will include guided breathing, a mental/emotional reset, a meet-and-greet, a Q&A, and a group photo.
Velasquez wrote, “After my release on February 15th, I’m exploring the idea of hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area.” He added that breathwork has been a powerful tool for him and he’d like to share it with others. The seminar would be a paid, limited-capacity event.
In August 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault with a firearm, and shooting at a motor vehicle. The charges stemmed from a February 2022 incident in Santa Clara County, California. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was eligible for parole after time served, house arrest, and good behavior. Velasquez still faces four years of supervised parole.
According to a report by MMA Fighting on Monday, the UFC veteran has been temporarily relocated to Wasco State Prison — a reception center where inmates are evaluated before being assigned to a permanent long-term correctional facility.
Wasco serves as an intake hub where new inmates are evaluated holistically to determine their appropriate security classification before being transferred to one of California’s main correctional institutions, such as San Quentin or Folsom State Prison.
From the five-year prison sentence handed down to Cain Velasquez, over 42 months (1,283 days) were credited for time already served, including his stint in jail and several months under house arrest. He becomes eligible for parole in March 2026, though that timeline could be expedited based on his behavior in prison and participation in correctional programs aimed at reducing sentences.
The 42-year-old Californian was convicted after being taken into custody for engaging in a high-speed chase carrying Harry Goularte, the idividual accused of sexually abusing Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son at a daycare run by his mother.
Velasquez opened fire on the vehicle with a handgun during the pursuit. However, it was Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was struck and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The former WWE star was taken into custody without resistance in February 2022. Given the severity of the charges, he spent eight months behind bars before being granted bail in November, which was set at $1 million.
Velasquez is set to appear in court again on April 16 for a restitution hearing, where the judge will determine the financial compensation owed to the victims. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and other damages related to the case.
The mother of the alleged molester feels that Cain Velasquez’s punishment is far too lenient.
On Monday, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose after pleading no contest in August to a series of offenses, most notably attempted murder. His sentencing comes nearly three years after his initial arrest in February 2022.
Of the five-year sentence handed down to the former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days — accounting for both his time in jail and his period on house arrest.
His legal team had advocated for probation and time served, and with these credits factored in, Velasquez is now expected to spend less than two years behind bars.
BREAKING: UFC champ Cain Velasquez was sentenced to 5 years in prison, with 1,283 days credit for time served. The judge was choked up and had tears in his eyes. He said keeping a son from his father was the worst punishment, and he gave Cain the lightest possible sentence. pic.twitter.com/tnqPaHZtiQ
However, the prosecution, representing Harry Goularte — the man accused of molesting Cain Velasquez’s four-year-old son at the time at his mother’s daycare — had advocated for a 30-year-to-life sentence. Even so, Goularte’s mother remains dissatisfied with the ruling.
Following the verdict, Patricia Bender, the mother of Goularte, voiced her frustration over the court’s decision. Speaking to the media, she claimed that Velasquez’s widespread fame unfairly influenced both the judges and public opinion, ultimately working in his favor.
“The sentence is extremely disappointing,” Bender said. “It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded. We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that, as we have an ample amount of evidence to do so. It is sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”
BREAKING: Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez sentenced to 5 years jail time with 3 years already served.
In February 2022, Velasquez is accused of shooting at a man & his parents during a 11-mile long high-speed car chase in Morgan Hill. 1/2 @abc7newsbayareapic.twitter.com/qRlxs68deJ
Velasquez’s legal troubles erupted in 2022 when he was arrested following a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Goularte. The MMA veteran’s actions stemmed from allegations that Goularte, who faces separate child molestation charges, had abused his son. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the individual was controversially granted bond.
Cain Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun, but the bullets missed their intended target and instead struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
The pursuit ended when Velasquez was apprehended without resistance by local authorities. He was subsequently charged with felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses, resulting in an eight-month incarceration. It wasn’t until November 2022 that he was finally granted bail on a $1 million bond.
A host of professional MMA fighters reacted as former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced for a 2022 shooting.
Velasquez spent eight months behind bars following an incident in February 2022. The MMA great was arrested and charged with attempted, premeditated murder after pursuing and shooting at a car that contained Harry Goularte, who’s accused of sexually molesting Velasquez’s four-year-old son at a daycare facility.
The 42-year-old Salinas native’s arrest came after he opened fire and struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was also in the vehicle at the time.
While the prosecution was seeking 30 years to life, Velasquez was ultimately handed a five-year sentence, which will be shortened by time served of 1,283 days. With that, the UFC legend is expected to serve less than two years.
Though many have shed a sigh of relief given the significant sentence sought by the prosecution, many fans and peers of Velasquez’s were quick to express their frustration with the former fighter spending further time behind bars.
Well if that’s the case, all in all a good result when you consider how fucked the justice system is. Absolutely gutted for Cain and his family. You’ll be out in no time champ. You are forever a legend to us and a hero to your family https://t.co/iIpJV1W6OY
— Oban Elliott Official (@obanelliottufc) March 24, 2025
Cain shouldn’t serve any jail time. In the heat of the moment, what man wouldn’t have a lapse in judgement to protect his family. The focus should be on the man that committed crimes much worse than what Cain did. I’m thankful he only has to serve 5 years instead of 30. https://t.co/FkjHNNzeSN
Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for charges stemming from a 2022 shooting.
In August 2024, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea in a California court to charges including felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons-related offenses. The plea deal not only aimed to reduce his sentence but also marked a step toward resolving the prolonged legal battle.
Velasquez found himself at the center of an attempted murder trial following a February 2022 incident. He was alleged to have opened fire on Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting his four-year-old son at the time. The retired mixed martial artist accidentally struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, after a high-speed chase ensued. He sustained injuries that were not considered severe.
With that, Velasquez learned his fate Monday, with NBC’s Ian Cull reporting news that the former fighter has been hit with a five-year prison sentence. The Deputy DA had asked for 30 years to life.
BREAKING: Former UFC star Cain Velasquez sentenced to 5 years in prison. He pleaded no contest to attempted murder from 2022 shooting.
Deputy DA asked for 30 years to life. Defense asked for time served and probation.
“From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things, that was not the way to do it,” Velasquez said prior to his sentencing during an appearance on The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast. “We cannot put the law in our own hands. … I already pled (no-contest) so I’m going to get a sentencing (on Monday).
“I know what I did was very dangerous towards other people — not just to people involved, but to just innocent people. I understand what I did, and I’m willing to do everything I have to pay back that,” Velasquez continued. “So 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.”
Cain Velasquez’s victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 on October 23, 2010, remains a landmark moment in MMA history.
In that bout, Velasquez showcased his superior striking and wrestling prowess, relentlessly dominating the professional wrestling star and securing a first-round TKO.
This decisive win exposed Lesnar’s vulnerability against elite strikers who possess strong takedown defense. While appearing on Beyond The Belt, the former UFC fighter discussed the fight.
“I probably weighed in at, like, 240-something going in,” Cain Velasquez said. “My strong suits with him, I was very good at getting off on the bottom. We did this in college wrestling a lot. I was just very good at getting up from the bottom, so I knew if I were to get stuck there, then it could be a long night for me, but we worked on that over and over again with DC. We had another national champion heavyweight wrestler come in.
“We started in the worst positions, whatever (coach) Bob (Cook) said, in the middle of sparring, I had to lay down on my back with 16-ounce gloves and had DC lay on top of me and that’s where we started from multiple times a round,” Velasquez continued. “So I was very good at getting up from the bottom, especially for that camp, and I knew I just had to keep it on the feet with strikes. Just the pressure of everything, but it didn’t matter for me. My mentality was I didn’t care if I lost or won, I’m just going to give you what I have. That’s it. That’s all I could do.”
Nearly a decade later, the two crossed paths again, this time in the world of pro wrestling.
In 2019, Velasquez made his WWE debut, confronting Lesnar on SmackDown’s FOX premiere after “The Beast Incranate’s” quick victory over Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship.
Their WWE encounter at Crown Jewel 2019 was much different than their UFC fight. Lesnar was booked to decisively defeat Velasquez in approximately two minutes via kimura submission. Velasquez’s WWE tenure ended the following year.
Cain Velásquez will always be known as one of the best heavyweights that we have ever seen in MMA. Whilst injuries may have held him back at points, the former two-time UFC champion is one of the most well-rounded competitors in the history of his weight class.
At the top of the sport right now, a UFC heavyweight title fight might be the most desired contest that is out there with fans and fellow fighters still clamouring for Jon Jones to face Tom Aspinall in a unification clash. In one corner, you have the consensus greatest of all time whilst in the other, you’ve got the man that many believe is the best fighter in his weight class right now.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding this fight has been whether the Brit has the experience to beat someone like Jones who has been at the highest level for an incredible amount of time. Velásquez, however, believes that it is Aspinall’s predictability that would cost him in this potential matchup.
The interim champion is known for finishing opponents quickly with his lighting fast speed and one-punch power which makes it so difficult for opponents to deal with his timing. Velásquez recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show where he said that whilst Aspinall is incredibly effective at what he does, he believes that it is easy to predict meaning someone like Jones will be able to counter this inside the Octagon.
“I don’t think he [beats Jones],” Velasquez said of Aspinall. “Me just watching him, I kind of see his pattern a little bit, and his striking — the way he comes in and strikes. I think Jon sees it too. I think with that, just because, again, Jon, he studies, man. He does his homework. He’s a master at this. He analyzes things. He studies you over and over again. I think just for that reason, he’s going to know what to do. So I don’t think [Aspinall] beats Jon.
“Everybody has a pattern, right? There’s a fight pattern,” Velasquez continued. “Some people disguise it better than others. The simple fact is the way Tom comes in and fights, he does have a pattern that’s somewhat easier to find. He comes in and strikes. And I think you know what we’re talking about — a lot of things come with that. It’s disguising your pattern. It’s throwing fakes here and there before. But when he comes in to attack, he comes in and attacks. It’s 100% full go. He comes in, glides in, lunges in and does his attack. Again, not that it’s not effective — it is. He’s done great things with it. But I think with the type of guy that Jon Jones is, I think he studies him, and he beats him because of that.”
Cain Velasquez is now set to channel his fighting spirit into a managerial role with one of the newest MMA organizations on the scene.
On Friday, the Global Fight League (GFL) revealed in an official statement that former UFC heavyweight champion Velasquez has signed on with the promotion as a team manager. Accompanying him in this venture is his trusted associate, the esteemed American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez, who will take on the role of head coach for Velasquez’s team.
The 42-year-old Californian is facing allegations of firing several shots at Harry Goularte, who was allegedly involved in molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son. In the chaos of the high-speed pursuit, Velasquez struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, instead.
Velasquez was arrested without resistance by local authorities and, due to the severity of the charges, spent eight months in incarceration. He was eventually granted bail in November 2022, set at a $1 million bond.
GFL is set to make its debut in April, though the exact date remains under wraps. Unlike traditional formats, GFL introduces a league-based structure with playoffs, offering a fresh approach by incorporating a team-oriented format, unlike the PFL’s individual-centric model.
The promotion has already signed an impressive roster of over 300 fighters, many of whom are well-known names from major organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. Notable fighters such as Paige VanZant, Tyron Woodley, Luke Rockhold, and other prominent figures will headline the action.
GFL brings together the best in MMA:
🏆 World Champions: Wanderlei Silva, Fabricio Werdum, Anthony Pettis, Luke Rockhold
🔥 Top Contenders: Kevin Lee, Alex Gustafsson, Pannie Kianzad, Stuart Austin
Cain Velasquez can take some comfort for now, as his sentencing has been postponed until 2025.
Velasquez pleaded no contest in a California court this past August to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and several other weapons-related offenses. The plea deal, aimed at securing a reduced sentence, also brought some closure to the ongoing case.
As reported by MMA journalist Damon Martin, the court announced during a sentencing hearing on Friday that the proceedings will be postponed until early next year, with the specific date yet to be determined.
Cain Velasquez's sentencing has been continued until 2025.
He was scheduled to appear before the court today for his sentencing after pleading no-contest on attempted murder charges. #UFC
The former UFC heavyweight champion was embroiled in an attempted murder trial stemming from a February 2022 incident in which he reportedly fired multiple shots at Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting his then-four-year-old son. Instead, Velasquez inadvertently struck the man’s stepfather, Paul Bender, following a high-speed car chase.
Velasquez allegedly fired several rounds at the vehicle using a .40-caliber handgun. However, rather than striking his intended target, he hit Bender in the arm, causing injuries that were not life-threatening.
After the car chase came to an end, Velasquez was taken into custody without resistance by the local police department. He faced a series of charges that kept him incarcerated for eight months before he was finally granted bail in November 2022 on a $1 million bond.
#BREAKING: Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been freed on bail after a judge's ruling Tuesday in San Jose, Calif.
After a remarkable career in the UFC that included two reigns as heavyweight champion, Velasquez announced his retirement from the promotion in October 2019. His final professional MMA bout ended in a swift 26-second knockout defeat to Francis Ngannou during a UFC Fight Night event in February 2019.
In a recent video posted on Instagram by AKA head coach Javier Mendez, two of the gym’s greatest fighters shared a touching moment.
Khabib Nurmagomedov may have defined this stable for many years but before him, there was heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez flying the AKA flag alongside Luke Rockhold and Daniel Cormier.
Velasquez competed in one of the biggest fights in the history of the gym when he faced Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 and brought the heavyweight title back with him.
In the video, Nurmagomedov is watching the fight on his phone whilst stood next to his former teammate, speaking about the impact this fight had on him, recalling how he watched it hundreds of times.
It’s a warm exchange as “The Eagle” gives deserved props to one of the heavyweight division’s greatest fighters.
Khabib hyping up Cain Velasquez while watching his fight against Brock Lesnar 😭😭
MMA Fans React To Khabib Nurmagomedov Taking A Second To Recognise Cain Velasquez
The fans reacted on social media to Nurmagomedov celebrating one of the biggest nights in the history of AKA.
Velasquez will always be a legend of the sport but what he did that night against Lesnar put him into a whole new level of recognition and in turn, this brought a lot of credibility to AKA, where Nurmagomedov would go on to spend his years.
Former police officer and upcoming UFC Columbus headliner Chris Daukaus has shared his thoughts on the Cain Velasquez case.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was reportedly involved in a car chase in pursuit of alleged child molester Henry Goularte. While Velasquez allegedly fired rounds into the vehicle carrying Goularte, bullets hit Goularte’s stepfather instead. Since the arrest, many fighters have voiced their support for Velasquez, such as Israel Adesanya, Colby Covington, and Alexander Volkanovski among others.
One man who is in a position to offer some unique insight into the case is Chris Daukaus. Daukaus worked as a law-enforcement officer in Philadelphia for more than 10 years, so he has a firm awareness of the criminal justice system.
But the #9-ranked UFC heavyweight is also a parent. So while he understands the need to charge Velasquez for breaking the law, he is not personally convicting Velasquez from a morality standpoint.
“Yeah, so as a father and as a fighter, I’m OK with what he did,” Daukaus began in an interview with Sherdog. “Yes, it sucks that he shot the wrong person. I understand where he’s coming from. I understand the emotions that he must have felt and I couldn’t imagine what was going through his head, and I couldn’t imagine being in that situation.
Image Credit: Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group
“As a former law enforcement officer, as a former police officer, dealing with the circumstances of the case and the facts of the case, I knew he was gonna be locked up. And he’s going to be charged, and it’s just (about) what he gets charged with during the trial. It’s a really bad situation, I think. But we’ll see how it plays out as far as the timeline goes.”
Velasquez was charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle with intent. His bail was denied earlier this month, and he remains in Santa Clara County Main Jail until his trial.
Once the trial begins, Daukaus believes there will be many factors that ultimately determine Velasquez’s fate.
“So if it was a quote-unquote ‘crime of passion’ with his emotions and if he just reacted, that plays a factor as opposed to him planning a revenge factor against this person. That also plays a factor in it. But as a father and as a father of a young son and a soon-to-be daughter, I can respect what he did; I understand what he did. But as a former law enforcement officer, like I said, he broke the law; he needs to be locked up.”
Chris Daukaus
Daukaus went on to opine that this entire ordeal is a textbook example of faith lost in the criminal justice system.
“But I guess that goes to show the type of faith or lack of faith that an individual has in the criminal justice system here in America, which you can tell from not only this story but other stories, it seems to be broken at this point in time,” Daukaus said. “I really wish that it was fixed. But there seems to be something really wrong if the guy who did that to Cain Velasquez is now free to go out in society and back to his normal life after what he’s done, allegedly, to someone or other people.”
Chris Daukaus is scheduled to face Curtis Blaydes in the main event of UFC Columbus this Saturday. Cain Velasquez is due to reappear in court on April 12.
What do you make of Chris Daukaus’ thoughts on the Cain Velasquez case?
UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski believes the recently incarcerated Cain Velasquez is “paying a crazy price” following his arrest.
While fights continue each weekend, trash talk flies, and signings and extensions hit the headlines, one story has gripped the entire MMA and combat sport community in recent weeks.
Velasquez, a former two-time UFC heavyweight titleholder and widely-respected mixed martial artist, was arrested on February 28 for attempted, premeditated murder. The arrest and charge came after Velasquez allegedly pursued and intended on shooting a man named Henry Goularte, who’s accused of molesting one of Velasquez’s young relatives.
After reportedly shooting and injuring the man’s stepfather, Velasquez was arrested, charged, and later denied bail by Judge Shelyna Brown, much to the fury of his attorney and supporters.
In recent days and weeks, a host of fighters, pundits and personalities have flocked to support the former UFC star. Per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, the likes of Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Scott Coker, Kamaru Usman, and Brandon Moreno have all penned letters of support for Velasquez to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Including UFC President Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov, there were 37 letters written to the judge on behalf of Cain Velasquez to allow him bail. Unfortunately, bail was denied.
Meanwhile, alleged child molester Harry Goulaerte was released with zero dollar bail. pic.twitter.com/4gORWnDIXv
Now, the UFC’s 145-pound kingpin has given his thoughts on the tragic incident. Like many, Volkanovski has highlighted what he perceives to be an injustice.
Volkanovski: Velasquez Case Shows The Law Can Be Pretty Messed Up
During an exclusive interview with MMA News, Volkanovski, who holds gold in the promotion Velasquez twice ruled in, suggested the Californian is paying a “crazy” price for his actions, something that he believes shows a clear double standard in how these cases are handled.
“Yeah, it is unfortunate. You see some people doing shit like that and they almost get (just) a slap on the wrist,” Volkanovski said during his conversation with James Lynch. “And then you see someone like that, who in the heat of the moment, you can see the emotions that would’ve been involved in something like that.
“Then he’s gonna be paying a crazy price, when these other guys get a slap on the wrist, which is just complete bullshit. Obviously, someone’s not gonna be thinking completely straight when some shit like that happens.”
According to Volkanovski, a father himself, White’s take was exactly right.
“This hits close to home. Anyone with a kid is gonna know. I think Dana hit the nail on the head,” Volkanovski further told MMA News. “He did exactly what everyone says that they would do if they were in that situation. That’s true. It’s ridiculous. Obviously, laws are laws, but, I mean, some things need to come into play.
“You can’t treat this as just a crazy act of madness. Let’s be real. He would’ve been emotionally unstable in that situation. That has to come into play, especially when your kid is involved… I’m hoping he doesn’t get in too much trouble for it. I don’t know. The law can be pretty messed up sometimes,” concluded Volkanovski.
Former UFC multi-division champion Daniel Cormier wrote a letter to Santa Clara County Superior Court in support of Cain Velasquez.
Cormier and Velasquez have been friends for years, stemming from their time as teammates at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, CA. They helped one another get ready for various title fights in the UFC during their times competing in the Octagon.
Just weeks ago, Velasquez was arrested on an attempted murder charge for allegedly attempting to kill the alleged molester of one of his younger relatives. After chasing down Henry Goularte with his SUV, he shot and accidentally hit Goularte’s stepfather, with the victim suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
If convicted, Velasquez could face a minimum of 20 years in prison for attempted murder and other various charges relating to the incident.
Cain Velasquez Mugshot
Many around the MMA community have spoken in support of Velasquez in recent weeks. UFC President Dana White, and former and current fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Colby Covington, have spoken out in favor of Velasquez for his actions.
In a letter obtained by ESPN, Cormier spoke about his former AKA teammate Velasquez in a positive light in a hinted ask for leniency.
“Cain has helped me on more occasions than I can count,” Cormier said. “Like me, he is a father and husband so he knows the demand of trying to do it all. Throughout the years, he has traveled with me, supported me, and even helped me prepare for a coaching job at the high school while I retired from my fighter career. Cain has taken it upon himself to help every chance he gets. During the pandemic when many gyms and restaurants were closed, Cain opened his home and provided a place for wrestlers to train and eat. He even housed them.”
Goularte is under investigation for an alleged lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. He was released from temporary custody on Feb. 25 and has been sentenced to home detention.
Cormier has had a lot to deal with in recent weeks. His mother also passed away in his hometown of Lafayette, LA and he has taken a leave of absence from his UFC broadcasting obligations.
Times were simpler for UFC great Cain Velasquez five years ago, as the following article illustrates. However, Velasquez was unable to regain the heavyweight championship after this article was published.
The following article was published on this day five years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
On This Day Five Years Ago…
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 13, 2017, 9:23 PM]
Cain Velasquez took to Twitter on Monday to confirm that he still has a future in the UFC, and will fight for the heavyweight title sometime in the future.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez wants nothing more than a return to fighting duties, but will not step back inside the Octagon until he feels the time is right.
Velasquez is no stranger to succumbing to injuries. The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion has just two appearances inside the cage in over three years, having missed out on a return to action following back surgery which saw a rematch with Fabricio Werdum at UFC 207 scrapped.
Regardless of a long list of injuries that have disrupted the heavyweight’s career over the past few years, Velasquez is confident that he can still compete with the best in the business. This time, however, the 34-year-old wants to ensure that he is in the best possible shape prior to squaring off with any opponent.
Velasquez’s message to fans was comprehensive, but is certain to dispel fears that the popular fighter has fought for the last time in the world’s premier MMA organization:
In the incident, which took place in San Jose, California, Velasquez is accused of pursuing an individual named Henry Goularte, who’d been released one week prior to the February 28 events after reportedly molesting a relative of Velasquez.
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Tuivasa, who has trained with Velasquez at San Jose’s American Kickboxing Academy, praised the Salinas-born star as a “great guy” who’s always willing to help the up-and-comers in the gym.
“He’s such a great guy. In real life, he’s always in the gym, he’s always helping the younger guys, always helping the amateurs,” said Tuivasa. “I don’t know. Things take over.”
Tuivasa Isn’t The Only MMA Personality To Show Support
With their MMA peer potentially facing 20 years in jail if found guilty, a number of fighters, pundits, and big names in the sport have come out in support of Velasquez, who is widely regarded as one of the most gifted heavyweights in UFC history.
As well as sending personal messages and thoughts on the incident on social media and in interviews, the likes of UFC President Dana White, lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and former two-division titleholder Henry Cejudo, along with over 30 others, have penned letters calling for Velasquez’s release.
“My only wish is that he just ran the car off the road, pulled that guy out of the f*cking car, and beat him to death. F*ck you,” he said during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience.
Including UFC President Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov, there were 37 letters written to the judge on behalf of Cain Velasquez to allow him bail. Unfortunately, bail was denied.
Meanwhile, alleged child molester Harry Goulaerte was released with zero dollar bail. pic.twitter.com/4gORWnDIXv
One of the judges working on the Cain Velasquez attempted murder case has requested extra security in light of recent alleged threats.
The former UFC heavyweight champion Velasquez was arrested last week after allegedly attempting to murder a suspected child predator, Harry Eugene Goularte, who allegedly molested one of Velasquez’s young relatives. Velasquez ended up allegedly shooting Goularte’s stepfather instead of Goularte during a high-speed chase near San Jose, CA.
Velasquez faces a minimum of 20 years in prison if convicted on the charges. He is being held at a Bay Area jail after a judge denied bail to Velasquez, prompting quite the response from Velasquez’s legal team.
In a recent interview with NBC Bay Area, former sheriff’s lieutenant Mark Garcia addressed the reasoning behind one of the judges being concerned for their safety.
“No, I’m not surprised at all,” Garcia said. “You look at each and every case and you also do a threat assessment. And you come up with an idea and the tools necessary to provide them safety.”
The identity of the judge hasn’t been disclosed and extra patrols are expected to be utilized around the judge’s home in the coming weeks during the Velasquez investigation.
Velasquez last competed in the UFC back in 2019, suffering a first-round knockout to Francis Ngannou. Many current and former UFC fighters, including Ronda Rousey and Derek Brunson, have spoken out in favor of Velasquez and his alleged actions.
What are your thoughts on the Cain Velasquez situation?
The effort to help Cain Velasquez has been put to a stop.
In light of the ongoing situation with Cain Velasquez and his criminal trial, fans and friends are trying to help. Velasquez was taken into custody by San Jose Police department and is being charged with several counts, including attempted murder. Velasquez is a popular figure in MMA and wrestling circles and has many people pulling for him.
Two GoFundMe accounts were set up to help raise money for Velasquez’s family and legal fees. Unfortunately for the people who were involved in either fund, they were taken down by GoFundMe due to policy.
“We can confirm that both fundraisers were removed, and all donors have been refunded,” a GoFundMe spokesperson told MMA Junkie. “GoFundMe prohibits raising money for the legal defense of a violent crime.”
Velasquez is currently being held without bail. His bail was denied on the case of his “reckless” behavior. The list of charges for Velasquez is as follows: attempted murder (one count), 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).
Bail will not be able to be requested again unless the list of charges changes somehow. Velasquez is a father and will remain in jail until his trial. The GoFundMe was set to help the family in this time as well.
There are many supporters of Velasquez who have been trying to help out any way they can. Although GoFundMe is not an option at this time, there are other ways that people are raising money. A #FreeCain campaign has been trending on social media as a way for people who are looking to support him and his family to come together.
What do you think of GoFundMe taking down these accounts?
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and his legal team are not happy after being denied bail by a San Jose, CA judge.
Velasquez was arrested last week after reportedly attempting to murder an alleged molester of one of his young relatives. In a high-speed chase, Velasquez shot at Harry Eugene Goularte but instead hit and wounded Goularte’s stepfather.
On Monday, Judge Shelyna Brown denied Velasquez bail due to the “reckless” nature of the crimes. He has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle with intent.
Velasquez is scheduled to return to the courtroom on April 12.
Following the judge’s decision, Velasquez’s attorney Mark Geragos spoke with the media and reacted to the bail denial.
“If you believe what the DA says the motivation is — is there anybody out there who would say to a father, that this is not what you should do?” Geragos said. “A father who was not consulted when they released a perpetrator back into the public with $0 bail, yet they are holding Cain on no bail?
“This is why people are disgusted, and rightfully so, with the criminal justice system.” (h/t Fox 40)
A group of supporters of Velasquez made their voices heard outside of the San Jose courthouse. UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya and former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey are among a slew of MMA personalities who have spoken out in defense of Velasquez and his actions.
Velasquez faces a minimum of 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charges.
What is your reaction to the latest in the Cain Velasquez court case?
Legal Analyst Dean Johnson and actor/friend Cung Le speak on the events that led to Cain Velasquez’s upcoming court hearing.
Pro wrestler and former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was arrested last week for allegedly engaging in a high-speed car chase that resulted in one man being shot.
Reportedly, Velasquez was on the hunt for Harry Eugene Goularte, the man who allegedly molested an underage relative of his. And although Goularte was in the car when it was shot at, a 63-year-old man was the one who took a bullet.
There is a long list of charges against the UFC veteran including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting a motor vehicle, and much more. If found guilty, he faces 20 years to life in prison.
Monday, Velasquez was denied bail due to the “reckless” nature of his alleged actions according to Judge Shelyna Brown.
Public Reaction To Velasquez Case
Cain Velasquez mugshot, Photo Credit: San Jose Police Media Relations Twitter
Cain Velasquez has a plethora of supporters, but will it be enough to lighten the severity of the case?
As details of the shooting surface, many people have openly spoken in favor of Velasquez’s actions. For instance, Ronda Rousey says she likely would have done far worse if she were in the situation.
UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya and former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington have also weighed-in in favor of Velasquez.
Recently, Vietnamese actor, former martial artist, and friend of Cain Velasquez Cung Le shared his thoughts about the situation.
“He just had that moment of, you know, anger,” he said. “And I can’t for him. What he did, I know ‘Two wrongs don’t make a right?’ But how are we as parents supposed to protect our kids when they keep letting these criminals out?” (h/t NBC Bay Area)
Le also mentioned that if he were in Cain’s shoes, he would do the same thing.
It goes without saying that many people would go out of their way to protect a loved one. However, the legal side of things is not as onboard as those listed above.
The main theme legal experts put on the table is that Velasquez decided to take the law into his own hands. There is sympathy in their words but the stance is strong.
“Some of them will say the alleged victim may have deserved what Velasquez is alleged to have gone to him, and it’s going to make jury selection very difficult,” Johnson told NBC Bay Area.
Stay tuned with MMA News for more updates on the developing Cain Velasquez story.
You can add Colby Covington and Joe Rogan to the list of names showing their support for Cain Velasquez after his arrest for attempted murder last week.
Last week, Cain Velasquez was charged with attempted murder as well as charges of assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, shooting at a motor vehicle, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle after he attempted to shoot a man who allegedly molested a relative.
As Velasquez fired rounds at the vehicle carrying his target, Harry Eugene Goularte, he instead shot the man’s stepfather, who is hospitalized but is expected to survive.
When the reason for Velasquez’s alleged attempt at Goularte’s life was revealed, many in the MMA community voiced their support for the former UFC champion. This includes fighters past and present, such as Israel Adesanya, Derek Brunson, and WMMA pioneer Ronda Rousey.
During a recent installment of The Joe RoganExperience podcast, Rogan also spoke up in defense of Velasquez, even describing what he wished the heavyweight legend had done to Goularte instead of shooting at him. (h/t MMA Junkie)
“I mean, my only wish is that he did it with his hands,” Rogan said. “My only wish is that he just ran the car off the road, pulled that guy out of the f*cking car, and beat him to death. F*ck you.”
Colby Covington: ‘Free Cain Velasquez’
Cain Velasquez Mugshot
During the UFC 272 ceremonial weigh-ins and again after his victory over Jorge Masvidal at the pay-per-view, Colby Covington told Joe Rogan how happy he was to see him back to work in the UFC after his recent controversies. By all appearances, that made Covington and Rogan both, as the longtime UFC commentator didn’t miss a beat when back on the job.
Covington has been very vocal in his support for law enforcement and calling people, namely Jorge Masvidal, “criminals.” However, when it comes to Velasquez, it appears the former interim UFC welterweight champion believes this is a special case.
“Let’s talk about Cain Velasquez. Free Cain. What he did, a lot of people wouldn’t have done the same thing, but I respect the shit out of him,” Covington said. “I mean, having your kid be molested, I mean, we talk about that all the time, like we would do that. But he was in that same situation and he actually did it. So free Cain, Cain Velasquez, much respect and love, and I hope you get out soon.”
Reports have not confirmed that the alleged victim was Velasquez’s child. Due to the fact that the alleged victim is a minor, her identity is being withheld. \
Despite Covington’s wishes, Velasquez remains held without bail at Santa Clara County Main Jail. If convicted on the charges, he faces 20 years to life in prison.
Velasquez is set to be arraigned next week, and MMA News will bring you all the latest on that developing story.
Do you agree with Colby Covington’s and Joe Rogan’s support for Cain Velasquez?
UFC middleweight Derek Brunson gave his take on Cain Velasquez after he was arrested on an attempted murder charge earlier this week.
Velasquez faces at least 20 years in prison after he intended to shoot an alleged molester of one of his younger relatives. The incident included a high-speed chase, with Velasquez intending to shoot the molester but instead inflicting a gunshot wound to the alleged molester’s stepfather.
The shooting victim is being treated at a Bay Area hospital and is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.
Many around the MMA community have spoken in support of Velasquez in recent days. This includes UFC President Dana White, who hinted that he feels most people in Velasquez’s position would’ve acted similarly.
In a recent Instagram post, Brunson defended Velasquez’s action and called for a minor sentence.
“No one said Cain Velasquez handled the situation legally correct,” Brunson said. “From Day 1 of being a loving father, our objective is to guide and protect our kids through life. If the accusations of a 40-year-old man molesting a 4 year old for over a year (even once) is accurate. Cain acted in temporary (temporary definition reads not permanent, even a year could be temporary when comparing to a year) insanity and should receive probation at best. No one was killed. DONT MESS WITH KIDS OR YOU GET WHAT YOU GET #FreeCainVelasquez.”
But the shirt was apparently just the start of Brunson’s support of Velasquez. Shortly afterward on his Twitter page, Brunson revealed that he and the MMA community have raised $10,000 for Velasquez’s legal fees.
“As a father I feel you Cain,” Brunson tweeted. “The MMA community got your back! 10k in 2 1/2 days sent to his wife! #FreeCainVelasquez.”
The investigation into Velasquez and the shooting incident is ongoing. He’s scheduled to face arraignment next week and we’ll bring you the latest right here at MMA News.
Do you agree with Derek Brunson’s take on Cain Velasquez?
UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya has become the latest UFC star to speak out in favor of Cain Velasquez after his arrest this week.
Velasquez was arrested earlier this week on an attempted murder charge after a targeted shooting of an alleged molester of one of his younger relatives. In a high-speed chase, Velasquez intended to shoot the accused molester, Harry Eugene Goularte, but wounded Goularte’s stepfather instead.
Velasquez faces at least 20 years in prison if convicted. He is currently being held without bail at a Bay Area jail.
During a recent sitdown with TMZ Sports, Adesanya defended Velasquez’s actions and reflected on how he would’ve handled the same situation.
“Yeah, that’s f**ked up,” Adesanya said of Velasquez’s recent incident. “I know they’re saying he hit the wrong guy, he shot the wrong guy. But look, I can’t imagine the rage. Because there’s been times, and I’m a human being. There’s been times where my shadow self has emerged and I lose it. That’s why I don’t like to react these days, I like to respond. Because if you react, you’re acting off of emotion. But I can’t imagine because I’m not a father, and I can’t imagine what that’s like, but I know for a fact he did the right thing. He honestly did the right thing, 100 percent.”
Adesanya isn’t alone in his defense of Velasquez. Many current and former stars, including former bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, have spoken out in favor of the former heavyweight champ.
Adesanya has emerged as one of the biggest stars in the UFC. He most recently defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via unanimous decision at UFC 271.
Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is the latest UFC star to come to the defense of Cain Velasquez following his recent arrest for attempted murder.
Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder among other charges for allegedly shooting the stepfather of an accused molester near San Jose, CA. Velasquez pursued Harry Eugene Goularte and went on a high-speed chase in footage just released to the public.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated for his wounds at a local hospital.
Velasquez is currently being held at a Bay Area prison without bail. He has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle. He could face at least 20 years of jail time with a maximum life sentence also on the table.
In a recent tweet, Rousey came to the defense of Velasquez following his legal issues this week.
Velasquez last competed in the UFC against Francis Ngannou in 2019, suffering a first-round knockout loss. The investigation into the alleged shooting incident is ongoing.
What are your thoughts on the whole Cain Velasquez situation?
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