Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday. The former UFC heavyweight champion pleaded no contest in 2024.
What happened?
Cain Velasquez engaged in a high-speed car chase with Harry Goularte in February 2022. Velasquez accused Goularte of molesting his then-four-year-old son.
Velasquez fired several shots at the vehicle, missing Goularte and injuring his stepfather instead. The incident led to Velasquez's arrest and imprisonment.
Why it matters for Cain Velasquez
Velasquez spent approximately nine months incarcerated before being granted $1 million conditional bail. He was present at multiple MMA events as a cornerman for teammates while awaiting trial.
The judge credited Velasquez for time served, which means he has roughly 18 months left to serve. Velasquez won the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 with a win over Junior dos Santos.
What comes next?
Harry Goularte is awaiting his own trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child related to the incident with Velasquez's child. Goularte was given a trial date of June 2.
Velasquez's MMA career came to an end after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. He followed that up with a brief professional wrestling career, including a match with Brock Lesnar in WWE.
Velasquez's total time spent in jail was 1,283 days. The former UFC star will have to serve the remaining 18 months of his sentence.
The incident has had a significant impact on Velasquez's life and career. Velasquez's sentencing brings an end to the legal proceedings, but the consequences of his actions will be felt for a long time.
Cain Velasquez's case has sparked a lot of debate and discussion. The former UFC champion's actions were driven by a desire to protect his child.
The case against Harry Goularte is still ongoing. Goularte's trial is scheduled to start on June 2, and the outcome is still uncertain.
Cain Velasquez's sentencing is a reminder that actions have consequences. The former UFC champion will have to live with the consequences of his actions for a long time.
The UFC community is still reeling from the news of Velasquez's sentencing. The former champion's fans are shocked and saddened by the turn of events.
Velasquez's legacy will be forever marred by this incident. The former UFC champion's actions were driven by a desire to protect his child, but they also had serious consequences.
The case against Harry Goularte is a reminder that justice will be served. Goularte's trial is scheduled to start on June 2, and the outcome will be closely watched by the UFC community.
Cain Velasquez's sentencing brings an end to a long and difficult chapter in his life. The former UFC champion will have to serve the remaining 18 months of his sentence and try to rebuild his life afterwards.