Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez sentenced to five years for 2022 shooting incident
Once a dominant force in the octagon, Cain Velasquez now faces five years behind bars for a high-speed shooting incident linked to the alleged abuse of his son. His dramatic downfall, courtroom battle, and the emotional toll of vigilante justice make this one of the most gripping legal sagas in sports history.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on March 24, 2025, for a February 2022 shooting incident. The sentencing took place in Santa Clara County court in San Jose, California, following Velasquez's no-contest plea to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons violations.
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Cain Velasquez sentenced: Former UFC Champion’s shooting incident stems from child abuse allegations
The incident involved Velasquez pursuing and shooting at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez's then 4-year-old son at a daycare owned by Goularte's mother. During the 11-mile car chase, Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun, injuring Goularte's stepfather, Paul Bender, who was also in the vehicle.
Following his arrest, Velasquez was initially denied bail but was later granted $1 million bail in November 2022 after eight months in custody. As part of his bail conditions, he was required to wear a GPS tracker and maintain a distance of at least 300 yards from the alleged victims.
Cain Velasquez reflects on actions as accused abuser Harry Goularte awaits trial
In a recent interview, Velasquez expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the danger posed to both involved parties and innocent bystanders. He emphasized the importance of not taking the law into one's own hands and expressed willingness to accept the consequences of his actions.
Harry Goularte is scheduled to stand trial on June 2 for a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Velasquez, who retired from professional fighting in 2019, received support from the UFC during his legal proceedings, including a letter from CEO Dana White describing him as a model professional athlete.