Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to attempted murder.
Prosecutors had sought a 30-year prison term for the 42-year-old, concerning a shooting incident that occurred during an 11-mile car chase three years ago.
The sentencing, which took place at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, concluded a dramatic legal process marked by numerous delays.
Velasquez, a resident of California, faced 10 charges following a high-speed pursuit of Harry Goularte in 2022.
Goularte was accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s then four-year-old son on “multiple occasions”.
During the car chase, Velasquez, the MMA star, discharged several shots at the vehicle being pursued.
Inside the vehicle were Goularte, Goularte`s mother, and stepfather, Paul Bender.
Bender sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to his arm.
Velasquez pleaded no contest to all charges, while prosecutors advocated for a significant prison sentence.
His defense team requested probation and consideration for time already served.
Prior to sentencing, Velasquez stated he accepted full responsibility for his actions.
In an interview on The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, he admitted his actions were not the correct approach, stating, “From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things, that was not the way to do it. We cannot put the law in our own hands.”
Velasquez acknowledged the potential harm his actions caused, extending beyond those immediately involved.
He also indicated his willingness to accept whatever punishment was given.
Velasquez retired from MMA in 2019 and transitioned to professional wrestling, recently performing with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
Elton Marrow