Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez made headlines this past Friday when he entered a no-contest plea to serious charges including felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon violations. The plea was made at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, marking a significant turn in a legal saga that has captured the attention of both MMA fans and the wider public.
The Incident
The charges against Velasquez stem from a dramatic incident involving a high-speed car chase. Velasquez allegedly pursued a man, Harry Goularte, whom he accused of molesting his four-year-old son. During the chase, Velasquez fired several shots at a vehicle carrying Goularte. Despite his intentions, Velasquez missed his accused target and instead struck Goularte's stepfather with a bullet.
Legal Consequences
This incident led to Velasquez's immediate arrest. He was subsequently released on a conditional bail set at $1 million in November. By entering a no-contest plea, Velasquez has effectively removed the premeditated charges from consideration. These premeditated charges could have resulted in a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole. With this plea, Velasquez now faces potentially lighter sentencing, the specifics of which will be determined in upcoming court proceedings. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18.
Meanwhile, Harry Goularte is awaiting his own trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child. The intertwining legal cases have left both men in precarious situations with significant consequences on the line.
Velasquez's MMA Career
Cain Velasquez has had a storied career in the world of mixed martial arts. He first captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 with a decisive victory over Junior dos Santos. Velasquez was known for his relentless fighting style and exceptional cardio, traits that allowed him to defend his title robustly on two occasions.
However, his illustrious MMA career came to an abrupt end after a knockout loss to the heavy-handed Francis Ngannou in 2019. This loss almost symbolically closed a chapter for Velasquez in the octagon, a career punctuated with both triumphs and setbacks.
A Shift to Professional Wrestling
Following his MMA tenure, Velasquez transitioned into the world of professional wrestling. He participated in several events, most notably contending in a marquee match against Brock Lesnar in WWE. The cross-over from MMA to professional wrestling is a testament to Velasquez's versatility and enduring popularity among combat sports fans.
This legal predicament casts a shadow over what has otherwise been a laudable career in both MMA and professional wrestling. Fans and analysts alike are now left to ponder the future of Cain Velasquez, both inside the ring and beyond.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community remains riveted, awaiting the final outcomes that will undoubtedly impact the legacy of a fighter who has left an indelible mark in multiple arenas.