Cain Velasquez: Former UFC champion sentenced to prison for 2022 shooting - Al Jazeera English

By Alex Carter

The sports world was left in shock as Cain Velasquez, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion and one of the most formidable athletes in the mixed martial arts scene, was handed a five-year prison sentence in relation to a 2022 shooting incident. Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges, marking a dark chapter in the life of a man who was once at the peak of his career, admired by fans and fellow fighters alike. This case, which has drawn significant media attention, highlights a disturbing trend of violence involving notable figures in the sports industry, raising questions about the societal pressures and lifestyle challenges these athletes face.

On February 23, 2022, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was arrested in connection with a shooting in San Jose, California. The incident involved a man, later identified as Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting a close relative of Velasquez. The former UFC champion allegedly pursued Goularte and fired a gun at him. Goularte was not harmed in the incident, but Velasquez was subsequently charged with attempted murder.

The case drew significant public attention due to Velasquez's high-profile status in the sports world. As a retired UFC champion, Velasquez had garnered a large following among mixed martial arts fans. The shocking news of his arrest and subsequent charges led to a flurry of media coverage, with many speculating on the potential impact on his legacy.

After his arrest, Velasquez was held without bail in the Santa Clara County Jail. He pled no contest to the charge of attempted murder. In American criminal law, a plea of no contest means that the defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, serving as an alternative to a guilty or not guilty plea.

On September 28, 2022, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison. The sentence was handed down by Judge Shelyna Brown at the Santa Clara County Superior Court. In addition to the prison term, Velasquez was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. The former UFC champion was quiet and showed no emotion when the sentence was read out in court.

After the shocking 2022 incident, Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder. The former UFC champion remained in custody until his court appearance, where he pleaded no contest to the charges. This plea is not an admission of guilt, but it does mean that the defendant will not contest the charges in court. The decision to plead no contest is often made when the evidence against the defendant appears overwhelming.

Following his plea, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison by the presiding judge. The sentence was met with mixed reactions from the public, with some believing the punishment was fitting given the severity of the charges, while others felt it was too harsh for the former athlete who had previously stayed out of legal trouble.

Despite the controversy, the judge stood by the decision, stating that the sentence was appropriate given the circumstances of the case. The court took into account Velasquez's previous clean record, but also the serious nature of the charges and the potential harm caused to the victim.

The legal team representing Velasquez has not yet announced whether they plan to appeal the sentence. The former UFC champion has now begun serving his prison term, marking a dramatic downturn in a career that once saw him at the pinnacle of the mixed martial arts world.

As shocking as the news of Velasquez's sentencing may be to his fans and the sports world at large, legal experts have weighed in on the matter, providing some clarity. According to Attorney Jennifer Robbins, a specialist in criminal law, "Cain Velasquez's sentencing is in line with California's Three Strikes Law. This law mandates a state prison term of at least twice the term otherwise provided for a third felony conviction."

Robbins further explained, "While the charges Velasquez faced were indeed serious, his plea of 'no contest' essentially means he neither disputes nor admits to the crime, which can sometimes be seen as a strategic move in the legal world. However, regardless of the plea, the decision ultimately lies with the court."

Though Velasquez has retired from professional fighting, his case has been closely followed by both the sports and legal communities. His fall from grace has served as a stark reminder that fame and professional success offer no immunity from the law.

In a shocking turn of events, Cain Velasquez, a former UFC champion, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to attempted murder. This news has resonated deeply within the athletic community, unsettling fans and fellow athletes alike.

The consequences of Velasquez's actions extend far beyond his personal circumstances. They serve as a grim reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of fame or professional achievements. This case has brought to light the need for better support systems and mental health services within the sporting industry.

As we continue to navigate the complex intersection of sports and society, this case serves as a stark reminder of the human factor inherent in our heroes. We are left to reflect on the tragic downfall of a once-celebrated athlete and the impact of his actions on the wider community.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/3/25/cain-velasquez-former-ufc-champion-sentenced-to-prison-for-2022-shooting