Ex-UFC Champion Cain Velasquez Sentenced to 5 Years for 2022 Shooting

• Mar 25, 2025

Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for a 2022 shooting incident in California.

Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder, felony assault, and gun charges related to a February 28, 2022, high-speed chase and shooting in Morgan Hill and San Jose. Prosecutors said he pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s relative, and fired at the car. However, the gunfire struck Goularte’s stepfather instead.

Goularte, who was inside the vehicle with his mother, was not injured. He has denied the molestation allegations, and his case is still pending. The alleged abuse took place at a home daycare run by Goularte’s mother.

Velasquez Taken Into Custody

Velasquez had been out on $1 million bail but was taken into custody after Monday’s sentencing. His attorney, Renee Hessling, said that with credit for time served, he is expected to spend about one more year in state prison.

“Today's results are bittersweet—we had hoped Mr. Velasquez would remain free,” Hessling said. “Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community. What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a nightmare. He has shown strength, taken responsibility, and been held accountable.”

Velasquez Reflects on His Actions

In a recent podcast interview, Velasquez admitted that he handled the situation poorly.

“The way I handled things was not the right way,” he said. “We cannot take the law into our own hands. I know what I did was dangerous, not just for those involved but for innocent people as well. I understand that, and I’m willing to take responsibility.”

Charges and Legal Outcome

Velasquez had initially pleaded not guilty, and his case was set for trial in September 2024. However, he later agreed to a plea deal in August, which led to the dismissal of premeditated murder charges.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen condemned Velasquez’s actions, saying he had taken the law into his own hands and endangered bystanders.

“This defendant decided to become judge, jury, and executioner,” Rosen said. “His actions put innocent people at risk, including children and parents near a school.”

Velasquez’s sentencing marks the end of a legal battle that had drawn public attention, with many supporters calling for leniency due to the circumstances surrounding the case.