Cain Velásquez, born on July 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, is a former American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He gained prominence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as a two-time Heavyweight Champion, known for his striking power and wrestling skills.
MMA Career:
- UFC Achievements: Velásquez made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks. He secured the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2010 by defeating Brock Lesnar and successfully defended it multiple times. His relentless fighting style and athleticism made him one of the most formidable heavyweights in MMA history.
- Fighting Style: Trained at the American Kickboxing Academy, Velásquez combined his NCAA Division I wrestling background with striking skills, making him a well-rounded fighter.
Transition to Professional Wrestling:
After retiring from MMA in 2019, Velásquez ventured into professional wrestling. He appeared with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) in Mexico and later signed with WWE in 2019. However, his WWE tenure was short-lived, as he was released in April 2020 due to budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legal Issues and Sentencing:
In February 2022, Velásquez was involved in a shooting incident where he allegedly pursued and fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velásquez’s four-year-old son. The shooting resulted in injuries to Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender.
Velásquez was subsequently charged with attempted murder and felony assault. After pleading no contest, he was sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025, with the possibility of serving only one year considering time already served and supervised probation.
Recent Developments:
As of March 24, 2025, Velásquez continues to serve his prison sentence. His case has drawn attention due to his status as a former sports champion and the nature of the incident.