Why Was Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Prison? Here’s What Really Happened

The MMA community is still grappling with the news that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison. While headlines have circulated for months, many fans are still trying to understand exactly what led to Velasquez’s incarceration.

The two-time UFC champ, widely respected for his dominance inside the octagon, now finds himself behind bars for actions stemming from a 2022 shooting that shocked the sports world.

Here’s everything we know about why Cain Velasquez was sentenced.

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What did Cain Velasquez do?

In February 2022, Velasquez became involved in a dramatic and dangerous car chase that ended in gunfire. According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Velasquez pursued a truck carrying three individuals—one of whom was 46-year-old Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother.

Velasquez opened fire during the 11-mile chase, allegedly firing a handgun multiple times into the vehicle. Goularte was unharmed, but his stepfather, who was driving the truck, was struck twice.

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What charges did Velasquez face?

In August 2024, Velasquez pled no contest to a reduced charge of felony assault with a firearm, as well as related gun charges. Initially facing attempted murder, the plea deal allowed him to avoid the more severe penalty but still resulted in a five-year prison sentence handed down in March 2025. He will also serve four years of supervised probation after release and received credit for time already served—615 days in total.

Why did he do it?

Velasquez’s motive was rooted in deeply emotional territory. Less than a week before the incident, Goularte had been arrested on charges related to the sexual abuse of Velasquez’s child. However, Goularte was released without bail shortly after his arrest. Velasquez reportedly launched the attack while Goularte was en route to pick up an electronic ankle monitor as part of his house arrest conditions.

Defense attorney Renee Hessling described the case as “bittersweet,” acknowledging Velasquez’s willingness to take responsibility but expressing disappointment that he could not avoid prison.

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What has Velasquez said since the sentencing?

Since his sentencing, Velasquez has spoken openly about his regret. On a recent podcast hosted by his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury, the 41-year-old said, “We cannot put the law in our own hands… I know what I did was very dangerous—not just to the people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to, to pay that back.”

Velasquez also emphasized the importance of communication between parents and children, saying it’s crucial to talk openly about appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

What did the district attorney say?

Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen issued a strong statement following the sentencing:

“One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands left an innocent man wounded and endangered schoolchildren, teachers, and many others in our community. If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”