Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, once celebrated for his dominance inside the octagon, has entered a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges. The plea, tendered at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, stems from an intense and tragic series of events that have shocked both the sports community and the public alike.
The Incident
Velasquez’s legal troubles began with a high-speed car chase, in which he pursued Harry Goularte, a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son. The pursuit turned violent when Velasquez fired several shots at the vehicle containing Goularte. The intended target was missed, but Goularte's stepfather was struck, leading to Velasquez's immediate arrest. The stakes couldn't have been higher as the former champion found himself on the wrong side of the law, charged with serious offenses that initially included premeditated charges.
Legal Consequences
The no-contest plea entered by Velasquez has significant implications for his case. By pleading no contest, Velasquez effectively removes premeditated charges from the proceedings, which could have led to a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole. Instead, he now faces a lighter sentence, with specifics to be determined in forthcoming court hearings. Velasquez was released from jail in November on a conditional bail set at $1 million, allowing him to await further legal proceedings from outside the confines of incarceration.
Next Steps
As Velasquez awaits his sentencing hearing, scheduled for October 18, the sports world watches closely. The fallen champion, once hailed for his physical prowess and strategic acumen in mixed martial arts, now confronts a very different type of battle with significant personal and legal repercussions. Meanwhile, Goularte is awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child.
A Storied Career in MMA
Velasquez’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 through a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. His reign as champion saw him robustly defending his title twice, cementing his status as one of the elite fighters in the sport. Velasquez’s MMA tenure, however, came to an abrupt end after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019, concluding a storied but challenging career in the octagon.
A Foray into Professional Wrestling
Aside from MMA, Velasquez also dipped his toes into the world of professional wrestling. His most noteworthy appearance was in a marquee match against none other than Brock Lesnar in WWE. While his wrestling career did not have the same longevity or impact as his MMA exploits, it highlighted his versatility and willingness to venture outside his comfort zone.
The saga of Cain Velasquez serves as a grim reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, turning heroes into cautionary tales. As the court proceedings continue, the hope remains that justice will be served, bringing some semblance of closure for all parties involved.