Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has entered a no-contest plea to a series of charges, including felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon-related offenses. The plea was confirmed on Friday at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has garnered widespread attention.
The charges stem from a headline-grabbing incident involving a high-stakes car chase. Velasquez accused an individual, Harry Goularte, of molesting his four-year-old son, triggering a harrowing sequence of events. Velasquez pursued Goularte at high speed and subsequently fired several shots at a vehicle carrying Goularte. However, Velasquez missed his intended target, instead striking Goularte's stepfather.
This dramatic episode led to Velasquez's arrest and subsequent release from jail in November, under a conditional bail set at $1 million. The no-contest plea submitted by Velasquez plays a strategic role in the legal proceedings; it eliminates premeditated charges from the case. Premeditation would have significantly raised the stakes, carrying a mandatory life imprisonment sentence with the possibility of parole.
Now, without the weight of premeditated charges, Velasquez faces the possibility of a substantially lighter sentence. Future court hearings will determine the specifics of his punishment. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, when the court will finally decide Velasquez's fate in this convoluted legal saga.
Harry Goularte, the individual at the heart of Velasquez's desperate pursuit, is himself awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child. This additional layer of complexity adds to the broader context within which Velasquez's actions took place.
An MMA Legacy Cut Short
Cain Velasquez is no stranger to the public eye, having made a significant mark in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012, decisively defeating Junior dos Santos. Velasquez's reign as champion was marked by his resilience and skill, successfully defending his title on two occasions.
However, Velasquez's MMA career came to a sudden halt after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. This loss not only marked the end of his ambitions in the octagon but also served as a prelude to his eventual transition into professional wrestling.
From the Octagon to the Wrestling Ring
Following his MMA career, Velasquez ventured into professional wrestling, where his athleticism and combat prowess found a new canvas. He garnered considerable attention by competing in a high-profile match against Brock Lesnar in WWE, further solidifying his status as a versatile and formidable athlete.
Now, as Velasquez navigates the legal repercussions of his actions, fans and followers grapple with the complexities of his personal and professional journey. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the stark realities that can underlie the lives of even the most celebrated sports figures.
As the October 18 sentencing hearing approaches, the future remains uncertain for Velasquez. The legal and public ramifications of this case will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, adding a significant chapter to the storied life of a man once heralded as a champion both in and out of the ring.