Cain Velasquez Net Worth 2025: From UFC Champion to WWE and Beyond

Cain Velasquez, the former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and professional wrestler, has a net worth of $4 million as of 2025. Once one of the most feared heavyweights in mixed martial arts, Velasquez earned millions throughout his MMA and wrestling careers before stepping away from the spotlight in recent years.

From humble beginnings in Arizona to becoming the first major Mexican-American heavyweight champion in MMA, Velasquez’s journey is a testament to grit, skill, and resilience—even when faced with injuries, controversy, and a late-career transition to professional wrestling.

Early Life and Wrestling Roots

Cain Ramirez Velasquez was born on June 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, and raised in Yuma, Arizona. His father, Efrain Velasquez, immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and endured multiple deportations before finally settling down and becoming a U.S. citizen. Cain’s upbringing was steeped in a strong work ethic, family pride, and cultural heritage—something he proudly represents through his “Brown Pride” chest tattoo.

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In high school, Velasquez was a standout in both wrestling and football, eventually earning state titles in wrestling. He went on to become a NJCAA national champion at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he continued to wrestle at an elite level.

MMA Career and UFC Dominance

After college, Velasquez trained at the American Kickboxing Academy and made his professional MMA debut in 2006. He burst onto the UFC scene in 2008 and quickly made headlines with a string of dominant TKO victories. His most iconic moment came in October 2010, when he defeated Brock Lesnar via first-round TKO to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

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Velasquez’s reign was marked by fierce battles, including a trilogy with Junior dos Santos, where he lost the first bout but came back to dominate the next two fights. His relentless pace, wrestling control, and cardio made him a nightmare for opponents.

However, injuries began to derail his momentum. Shoulder, knee, and back issues sidelined him repeatedly between 2015 and 2019. In his final UFC appearance, Velasquez was knocked out by Francis Ngannou in early 2019. Later that year, he officially retired from MMA, closing out his fighting career with a record of 14 wins and 3 losses.

WWE & Lucha Libre Ventures

Velasquez didn’t stay retired for long. He shifted into professional wrestling and debuted with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in 2019, winning his first match in front of a packed Mexican crowd at Triplemanía XXVII. His agility and showmanship caught the attention of WWE, which signed him later that year.

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In October 2019, Velasquez made his WWE debut on the premiere episode of SmackDown on FOX, confronting Brock Lesnar in a highly publicized storyline. The two squared off at Crown Jewel 2019, but Velasquez lost quickly after tapping to Lesnar’s Kimura Lock.

Despite the hype, Velasquez’s WWE stint was short-lived. Due to financial cutbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic and reported backstage issues, WWE released him in April 2020 after just two appearances. Rumors swirled that Velasquez had signed with lingering knee issues and had prematurely leaked match plans, but WWE left the door open for a potential return.

Personal Life

Cain married Michelle Velasquez in 2011. The couple has two children: daughter Coral Love (born in 2009) and a son born in 2018. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, frequently appearing on Spanish-language TV shows and even starring in the music video “Te Siento” by Wisin & Yandel.

Velasquez is known for his humility and his pride in his heritage. His walkout music, “Los Mandados,” tells the story of a Mexican immigrant and reflects his father’s journey to America. Early in his career, Velasquez lived frugally—sleeping in his car while training to avoid long commutes and focus on his fighting dreams.

Legal Troubles & Controversy

In 2022, Cain Velasquez made headlines for a highly publicized attempted murder case, following an incident where he allegedly chased and shot at a man accused of molesting a close relative. The incident brought massive media attention and divided public opinion. He was arrested, posted bail months later, and awaits final resolution as of 2025. While the case is ongoing, it has understandably impacted his professional opportunities and public image.

Real Estate and Lifestyle

In 2014, Velasquez and his wife listed their 5,100-square-foot Gilroy, California, home for $1.7 million. The estate sits on over two acres and includes luxury amenities fit for a champion, including custom interiors and a spacious outdoor layout.

While not known for excessive spending, Velasquez has invested in a comfortable lifestyle, largely centered around family, fitness, and community.

Career Earnings

Cain Velasquez’s career earnings from the UFC reportedly totaled in the low millions, with his largest payday being $450,000 for his 2019 fight against Francis Ngannou. His short WWE tenure reportedly brought in a low seven-figure salary, though his time in professional wrestling never reached its full earning potential due to his early release and injury issues.