Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez recently entered a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. The charges stem from a high-stakes car chase involving Velasquez and a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son.
Velasquez engaged in a high-speed pursuit, firing several shots at a vehicle containing the accused, Harry Goularte. Despite his intent, Velasquez missed Goularte and instead struck Goularte's stepfather.
The incident led to Velasquez's arrest. He was later released from jail in November on a conditional bail set at $1 million. By entering a no-contest plea, Velasquez managed to remove premeditated charges from the proceedings, which could significantly lessen the severity of his ultimate sentence.
Originally, premeditation charges would have carried a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. With these charges no longer on the table, Velasquez is now eligible for a lighter sentence. The specifics of this sentence will be determined in forthcoming court hearings, with the sentencing hearing scheduled for October 18.
Meanwhile, Harry Goularte is awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child.
Velasquez's UFC Career
Cain Velasquez has had a storied career in mixed martial arts. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 by delivering a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. He robustly defended his title twice, earning his place among the sport’s elite.
However, Velasquez’s MMA tenure came to an abrupt end after suffering a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. Despite this setback, Velasquez’s prowess in the octagon has left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA.
Transition to Professional Wrestling
In addition to his MMA career, Velasquez also ventured into the world of professional wrestling. He competed in a marquee match against Brock Lesnar in WWE, a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal as an athlete.
The recent legal troubles cast a shadow over Velasquez’s athletic achievements, leaving fans and observers to grapple with the complexities of his personal life versus his professional accomplishments. As the legal process unfolds, the sports world will be watching closely to see how this once-dominant figure in combat sports navigates the next chapter of his life.