Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder.
Velasquez, 42, received the sentence in a Santa Clara, California, courtroom on Monday, March 24. The decorated MMA star was present for the sentencing alongside members of his family.
Judge Arthur Bolcanegra issued the sentence with 1,283 days credit for time served. KRON4 News reported the judge had tears in his eyes when he spoke and issued the most lenient sentence possible.
In 2022, Velasquez was charged with trying to kill a man named Harry Goularte, who allegedly molested Velasquez’s son.
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According to TMZ, Velasquez expressed remorse inside the courtroom. Members of Goularte’s family were reportedly present as well and urged the judge to issue a hefty sentence.
Prosecutors were seeking 25 years in prison for Velasquez, while his lawyers were seeking to avoid any time behind bars for their client.
Velasquez allegedly shot repeatedly at Goularte in February 2022 but wound up shooting the man’s stepfather instead after a high-speed car chase.
In August 2024, Velasquez entered a plea of no contest to felony attempted murder, assault and multiple weapons charges. As a result of his plea, the premeditated murder charges against Velasquez were dropped, meaning he no longer faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
During an episode of “The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast” on March 14, Velasquez acknowledged the severity of his actions in the alleged murder plot.
“The way that I handled things is not the way to do it,” Velasquez said. “We cannot put the law in our own hands. I know what I did, and know what I did was very dangerous to other people — 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 pay back that.”
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According to KTVU Fox 2, Goularte is the adult son of the woman who ran the daycare Velasquez’s son attended. Velasquez’s son was reportedly 4 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
Goularte was charged with one felony count of lewd acts with a minor in March 2022. He pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled to begin June 2.
“With my own time, I’ve forgiven them,” Velasquez said on the podcast of Goularte and his family. “I know that my kids are great. Everything is divinely orchestrated. My kids are amazing. My son is amazing. He’s one of the strongest, best kids that I know. He’s my best friend. I’m proud of him for who he is. This will not define him — he’s meant for greater.”
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