Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison. This sentencing follows his no-contest plea to multiple charges, including attempted murder, stemming from his arrest in 2022, according to various news reports.
This sentencing concludes a three-year legal process that began when Velasquez faced numerous charges, including premeditated attempted murder, felony assault, and firearm-related offenses. Velasquez was present in court with his family and legal counsel when Judge Arthur Bocanegra delivered the sentence.
The prosecution had sought a prison sentence of 30 years to life, while Velasquez`s defense team argued for probation and time already served. Ultimately, Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence.
Velasquez will receive credit for the three years he has already served, effectively reducing his remaining prison time. He was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing.
The events leading to the former UFC champion`s arrest began in February 2022. He was arrested after engaging in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte was accused of sexually assaulting Velasquez`s son at a daycare owned by Goularte`s mother. Goularte is facing separate charges for child molestation but was released on bond against the prosecution`s recommendations after his arrest.
During the high-speed chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun at Goularte`s vehicle. However, one of the bullets struck Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
After the car chase concluded, Velasquez was arrested without resistance by the Morgan Hill Police Department. He was subsequently charged with numerous offenses, leading to his detention for eight months before being granted bail.
The District Attorney mentioned that a search of Velasquez`s phone revealed searches for topics such as “sexual assault cases where victims` families fight back” and “sexual assault cases where victims` families retaliate.”
In a pre-sentencing memorandum, Deputy District Attorney Aaron French argued for a severe penalty for Velasquez`s actions.
French stated, “The defendant’s crime is serious. Justice demands a sentence that reflects this seriousness. To hold the defendant accountable for his reckless and dangerous actions and the lasting physical and emotional harm inflicted upon the victims and the community, the court should impose a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.”
Velasquez was released on bail while awaiting trial but later reached a no-contest plea agreement with the District Attorney`s office. This plea removed the premeditated attempted murder charge, which could have resulted in a life sentence if he had been convicted.
Following his release, Velasquez resumed coaching MMA and made appearances as a professional wrestler while awaiting his sentencing date. There were several postponements before Velasquez ultimately appeared in court on Monday to receive his sentence.
After his initial arrest, many figures in the MMA community voiced their support for Velasquez, including his close friend and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. UFC CEO Dana White also penned a letter in support of Velasquez while he was in jail after his initial bail denial.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is now set to serve time in prison following his sentencing. However, it is anticipated that his actual time served will be significantly less than five years.
