Cain Velasquez, once the UFC heavyweight king, was sentenced to five years in prison today, March 24, 2025. The ruling came in Santa Clara County Superior Court after he pled no contest to attempted murder and gun charges tied to a wild 2022 incident. He chased and shot at a man he believed harmed his son, but his bullets hit an innocent bystander instead.
The 2022 Chase and Shooting
On February 28, 2022, Velasquez took matters into his own hands. In Morgan Hill, California, he chased Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting his four-year-old son at a daycare. Driving his truck, Velasquez followed Goularte’s vehicle for 11 miles at high speed. He fired multiple shots from a 40-caliber pistol, aiming for Goularte. Instead, he struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm and chest. Bender survived after surgery. Velasquez was arrested that day.
Court’s View on His Actions
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen didn’t hold back.
“This defendant decided to become judge, jury, and executioner,” Rosen said March 24, 2025. “His actions endangered innocent bystanders, including young children and their parents who could have been injured or killed as he shot at his intended victim. We have excellent law enforcement in this county. Let them do their jobs.”
Rosen’s office sought a sentence of 30 years to life, arguing the risk to others was too great.
BREAKING: Former UFC star Cain Velasquez sentenced to 5 years in prison. He pleaded no contest to attempted murder from 2022 shooting.
Deputy DA asked for 30 years to life. Defense asked for time served and probation.
Background: https://t.co/EL4zeBnAQ1
— Ian Cull (@NBCian) March 24, 2025
🚨 Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is entering the court room to receive his sentence for attempted murder.
He already plead no contest.
Prosecutors asked for 25 years to life. Defense asked for no prison time. pic.twitter.com/vvG06F0cT3
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) March 24, 2025
Legal Path to Sentencing
Velasquez faced serious charges, including attempted murder and 10 firearm counts. After his arrest, he spent eight months in jail before posting $1 million bail on November 8, 2022. On August 16, 2024, he pled no contest, avoiding a trial that could’ve meant life in prison. Today’s sentencing landed him five years, with credit for 245 days already served, per court records. He’ll head to state prison soon, though exact transfer details aren’t public yet.
Velasquez acted out of rage over his son. Goularte faced a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, with a trial set for June 2, 2025. Velasquez’s family claimed the daycare, run by Goularte’s mother, failed to protect their child. That anger drove him to chase Goularte through busy streets, firing as cars with kids and parents passed by. No bystanders were hit, but the danger was real.
What Happens Next
With five years locked in, Velasquez’s fighting days seem over. At 42, the two-time UFC champ (14-3 record, titles in 2010-2012) leaves behind a legacy now tied to this case. After serving his time, he’ll face parole conditions, though specifics aren’t out yet. Goularte’s legal fate is still pending, separate from Velasquez’s punishment.
Velasquez was a UFC titan, beating Brock Lesnar for the belt in 2010. Injuries and losses slowed him later, with his last fight in 2019. This 2022 incident shifted his story from the octagon to the courtroom. Today’s sentence closes a chapter, but his words on The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast last week, about regret and loving his kids, show he’s looking to heal, even behind bars.
