When someone mentions UFC legends, Cain Velasquez’s name comes up instantly. The former two-time heavyweight champion dominated the octagon with his incredible cardio and relentless fighting style.
Born in Salinas, California, to parents Efraín and Isabel Velasquez, he built his reputation as one of MMA’s most respected athletes. Raised in Yuma, Arizona, Velasquez showed athletic promise from an early age.
His wrestling background at Arizona State University laid the foundation for his MMA career.
At ASU, he compiled an impressive 86-17 record while earning All-American status twice. He graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. This strong wrestling foundation would later become his trademark in the UFC.
Key Career Achievements:
- Two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion
- Defeated Brock Lesnar to win his first title at UFC 121 (October 2010)
- Successfully defended his title multiple times
- Earned the nickname “Cardio Cain” for exceptional endurance
- Ranked #1 for most strikes landed per minute in UFC (as of July 2013)
- High school wrestling record of 110-10 with two 5A Arizona Wrestling Championships
- NJCAA National Championship winner at Iowa Central Community College
But in 2022, everything changed. The fighter who once commanded respect in the cage found himself facing serious criminal charges. His life took a dramatic turn that shocked the entire MMA community.
Is Cain Velasquez in Jail?
Based on the latest reports from reputable sources, Cain Velasquez is not currently in jail.
After pleading no contest to attempted murder and other charges, he was sentenced to five years in state prison.
However, the judge gave him credit for the 1,283 days he had already served, which included his time in county jail and under house arrest.
As a result, his sentence was effectively considered “time served,” and he was released from custody following his sentencing in March 2025.
The Cain Velasquez Case Explained
What started as a father’s worst nightmare quickly spiraled into a legal battle that would define Velasquez’s legacy beyond the octagon. Here’s the complete breakdown of the events that changed everything:
Background of the Incident
The story begins with every parent’s worst nightmare. In February 2022, Velasquez’s four-year-old son was allegedly molested at a daycare center. The accused was Harry Goularte, who worked at the facility owned by his family.
Goularte was arrested but released on bail just days later. This decision would prove to be the catalyst for what happened next.
On February 28, 2022, Velasquez spotted Goularte in a truck. What followed was an 11-mile high-speed chase through Santa Clara County. Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun at the vehicle.
He missed his intended target. Instead, he accidentally shot Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender. Bender suffered injuries to his arm and torso but survived.
The shooting happened in broad daylight. It endangered not just the people in the truck, but also innocent bystanders, including schoolchildren and teachers in the area.
Charges Filed Against Him
The Santa Clara County District Attorney‘s office came down hard on the former UFC champion. They weren’t treating this case lightly, filing multiple serious felonies that could have kept Velasquez behind bars for decades.
The charges against Cain Velasquez included:
- Attempted first-degree murder – The most serious charge, carrying a potential life sentence if convicted at trial.
- Shooting at a motor vehicle – Felony charge for firing a weapon at an occupied vehicle.
- Assault with a firearm (3 counts) – One count for each person in the targeted truck.
- Assault with a deadly weapon (3 counts) – Additional assault charges recognizing the gun as a deadly weapon.
- Willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle – Illegal shooting while inside his own car during the chase.
- Carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony – Weapons violation showing premeditation.
In total, Velasquez faced 10 different charges. Each carried significant potential prison time, with prosecutors initially seeking 20 years to life.
The sheer number of charges showed how seriously the legal system took his actions that February afternoon.
Court Proceedings and Developments
Velasquez’s legal journey stretched over three years. Initially, he was denied bail multiple times. Judges considered him too dangerous to release back into the community.
In November 2022, he finally received bail set at $1 million. He was placed under house arrest with an electronic monitoring device.
His legal team, initially led by Mark Geragos and later by Renee Hessling, gathered impressive support. They presented 37 letters from notable figures, including Dana White, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In August 2024, Velasquez made a crucial decision. He pleaded no contest to all charges. This plea deal helped him avoid a potential life sentence.
The prosecution had originally sought 30 years to life in prison. His defense team hoped for time served and probation only.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing Possibilities
The sentencing hearing in March 2025 was emotional for everyone involved. Judge Arthur Bocanegra reportedly had tears in his eyes while delivering the verdict.
Here’s what Velasquez received:
- Five years in state prison
- Four years of supervised probation after release
- Credit for 1,283 days already served (jail time plus house arrest)
- There is no parole date. He has been released and is serving a period of supervised probation
- Potential restitution payments to victims
The sentence reflected both the seriousness of his actions and the unique circumstances. The judge acknowledged that Velasquez was “fundamentally a good man and a good father” while still holding him accountable.
Velasquez accepted responsibility for his actions. He stated on Kyle Kingsbury’s podcast: “I know what I did was very dangerous towards other people. I understand what I did, and I’m willing to do everything I have to pay back that.”
Public Reaction to the Cain Velasquez Case
The case divided public opinion like few others in recent memory. While many sympathized with Velasquez as a protective father, others condemned his vigilante actions that put innocent lives at risk.
MMA Community’s Response
The MMA world largely rallied behind Velasquez.
UFC CEO Dana White called him a “model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself.”
Support poured in from current and former fighters, including Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who submitted 37 letters of support to the court.
Social media showed overwhelming sympathy from fans who understood his parental rage, with the MMA community emphasizing his character and contributions to the sport.
Broader Public and Legal Experts’ Opinions
Outside the MMA world, reactions were sharply mixed.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen called it dangerous vigilantism that endangered innocent people, while legal experts consistently warned against taking justice into your own hands.
The general public is split between understanding his rage as a father and condemning his reckless actions that put lives at risk.
Child safety advocates questioned why the alleged molester received bail so quickly after his arrest.
Most agreed that endangering schoolchildren and teachers during the high-speed chase crossed a clear line, regardless of his understandable motivation as a parent.
Conclusion
So, is Cain Velasquez in jail right now?
No, Cain Velasquez is not in jail. He was sentenced to five years in state prison in March 2025 after pleading no contest to attempted murder and other charges related to a 2022 shooting.
However, the judge gave him credit for the 1,283 days he had already spent in custody, which included time in county jail and under house arrest.
Because the time he served was equivalent to the sentence he received, he was released from custody. He is currently serving a period of supervised probation as part of the legal agreement.
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Justice may be complex, but staying informed helps us all understand these difficult situations better.
