Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday for his involvement in a February 2022 shooting that stunned the combat sports community. The ruling brings partial closure to a highly publicized case that saw Velasquez, a revered figure in mixed martial arts, entangled in a legal battle that kept him behind bars for nearly eight months before being released on bail in November 2022.
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The Incident: A Crime Fueled by Personal Anguish
The shooting, which took place in Morgan Hill, California, was reportedly an act of vigilante justice driven by deep personal anguish. Velasquez had allegedly targeted Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing a young relative of Velasquez’s family. Goularte was facing charges related to the alleged molestation of a child at a daycare run by his mother.
According to authorities, Velasquez pursued Goularte in a high-speed chase, during which he fired multiple gunshots at a vehicle carrying Goularte, his stepfather, and another occupant. The stepfather, Paul Bender, was struck by gunfire but survived. Goularte, the intended target, was unharmed.
Velasquez was swiftly arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. The case sparked widespread debate, with many expressing sympathy for the former fighter, viewing his actions as those of a father and protector rather than a criminal.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Velasquez initially faced a potential life sentence, but after extensive legal negotiations, he accepted a plea deal in 2023, pleading guilty to assault with a firearm. His sentencing on March 25, 2025, marked the conclusion of a turbulent legal battle.
During the hearing, Velasquez addressed the court, publicly taking full responsibility for his actions. In a rare and emotional interview released before his sentencing, he acknowledged his regret and stated that while he acted out of love and protection for his family, he understood the consequences of his choices.
The judge, while recognizing the pain and suffering that led to the crime, emphasized that vigilante justice cannot replace the legal system. Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison with credit for time served. Given his prior pretrial incarceration, he may be eligible for parole before serving the full sentence.
A Fighter’s Legacy Marred by Tragedy
Velasquez, once celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, now faces a vastly different battle—one behind bars. The former champion, known for his relentless work ethic and dominance in the octagon, now finds himself navigating a prison sentence that has changed the trajectory of his life.
Despite the legal outcome, Velasquez has received an outpouring of support from the MMA community. Many fighters, coaches, and fans continue to stand by him, expressing their sympathy and understanding for the emotional turmoil that led him down this path.
What Comes Next?
With his sentencing finalized, Velasquez’s focus now shifts to serving his time and, potentially, seeking early release. His family, supporters, and fans remain hopeful that he will one day return to a normal life and find a way to move forward from this tragedy.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of vigilante justice, even when motivated by deep personal pain. While Velasquez’s actions have cost him years of his freedom, his story continues to spark conversations about justice, the legal system, and the limits of taking the law into one’s own hands.
For now, the former heavyweight champion, once feared inside the cage, must face a new fight—one far removed from the UFC arena.
