Cain Velasquez Sentenced for Attempted Murder

In a case that has gripped the hearts of many, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on March 24, 2025, for attempted murder. The incident, which took place in 2022, stemmed from Velasquez’s pursuit of a man he believed had sexually abused his young son over 100 times at a daycare. This story is one of intense emotion, a father’s instinct to protect his child, and the consequences of taking justice into his own hands. At Phacts, we dive deep into the details of this complex case to bring you a clear, factual, and engaging account of what happened, why it happened, and what it means.

Who Is Cain Velasquez?

Cain Velasquez is a name that resonates in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Born in Salinas, California, and raised in Yuma, Arizona, Velasquez rose to fame as a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. He first claimed the title in 2010 by defeating Brock Lesnar and reclaimed it in 2012. Known for his relentless fighting style and incredible wrestling background from Arizona State University, Velasquez became a fan favorite. His career, however, was plagued by injuries, leading to his retirement from MMA in 2019. After retiring, he briefly ventured into professional wrestling with WWE before returning to coaching and MMA-related activities.

Velasquez was not just a fighter in the ring; he was a devoted father and husband, known for his quiet demeanor and strong sense of family. This made the events of 2022 all the more shocking, as the world saw a different side of the man who had been a hero to many.

The Incident: A Father’s Rage

On February 28, 2022, Cain Velasquez’s life took a dramatic turn. He learned that Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting his then-4-year-old son multiple times at a daycare run by Goularte’s mother, had been released from custody without bail. According to Velasquez’s attorneys, the alleged abuse happened “hundreds of times” at the daycare in San Martin, California. For any parent, this news would be devastating, but for Velasquez, it sparked a reaction that would change his life forever.

That afternoon, Velasquez spotted Goularte in a pickup truck driven by Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, and accompanied by Goularte’s mother, Patricia. What followed was an 11-mile high-speed car chase through the streets of Morgan Hill and San Jose. Velasquez, armed with a .40-caliber handgun, fired multiple shots at the truck. His intended target was Goularte, but one of the bullets struck Bender in the arm and torso, causing non-life-threatening injuries. The chase endangered bystanders, including schoolchildren and teachers, as bullets flew near a school.

Velasquez was arrested without incident after the chase. The incident shocked the MMA community and the public, as many struggled to reconcile the image of Velasquez as a disciplined athlete with the man who had taken such a drastic action.

The Charges Against Velasquez

Velasquez faced a slew of serious charges following the incident. These included:

• One count of attempted murder
• One count of shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft
• Three counts of assault with a firearm
• Three counts of assault with a deadly weapon
• One count of willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle
• One count of carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony

The attempted murder charge alone carried a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Prosecutors initially charged Velasquez with premeditated attempted murder, which could have led to a life sentence with the possibility of parole. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office described Velasquez’s actions as a “vigilante shooting spree,” emphasizing the danger it posed to the community.

The Legal Journey

Velasquez’s legal battle was long and complex. After his arrest, he spent nearly nine months in jail, as multiple judges denied him bail. It wasn’t until November 2022 that Judge Arthur Bocanegra granted him $1 million bail, allowing Velasquez to return home under house arrest with a GPS monitor. During this time, he was permitted to coach MMA and participate in professional wrestling events, a testament to his reputation as a respected figure in the community.

In August 2024, Velasquez made a significant decision. He pleaded no contest to all charges, meaning he did not admit guilt but accepted the consequences as if he had. This plea deal was crucial, as it led to the dismissal of the premeditated attempted murder charge, sparing him the possibility of a life sentence. The plea set the stage for his sentencing, which was initially scheduled for October 2024 but was delayed multiple times before finally taking place on March 24, 2025.

The Sentencing Hearing

The sentencing hearing at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice was an emotional event. Nearly 70 spectators, including supporters of both Velasquez and the Goularte family, filled the courtroom. Impact statements were read from Velasquez, his wife, his 15-year-old daughter, and members of the Goularte family, including Harry Goularte, Paul Bender, and Patricia Goularte.

Velasquez expressed deep remorse for his actions. “What I did was not correct,” he said, acknowledging the danger his actions posed to innocent people. He vowed to set a better example moving forward and wished for safety and healing for his family and the community. His wife and daughter spoke of the toll the alleged abuse had taken on their family, while also highlighting Velasquez’s character as a loving father.

The Goularte family, however, painted a different picture. Patricia Goularte called the sentence “extremely disappointing,” insisting that the allegations against her son were unfounded. Paul Bender, who was injured in the shooting, described the lasting physical and emotional impact, noting he no longer had full use of his right arm. Goularte’s brother, CJ, argued that Velasquez’s actions were premeditated, not a spontaneous act of rage.

Prosecutors Presses Hard

Prosecutors pushed for a harsh sentence of 30 years to life, arguing that Velasquez’s actions endangered the community and that portraying him as a vigilante hero was misguided. Velasquez’s defense team, led by attorney Renee Hessling, requested probation and time served, citing his lack of criminal history, his traumatic brain injuries from his fighting career, and the extreme provocation caused by the alleged abuse of his son.

Judge Arthur Bocanegra, visibly emotional during the hearing, handed down a five-year prison sentence, with credit for 1,283 days already served (including nearly a year in jail and almost two years on house arrest). This meant Velasquez would serve approximately 542 more days—about a year and a half—in prison. The judge also imposed a 10-year protective order preventing Velasquez from contacting the Goularte family and banned him from owning firearms for life.

The Context: Harry Goularte’s Case

The incident was triggered by the allegations against Harry Goularte, who faces one felony count of lewd acts with a minor. Goularte, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of molesting Velasquez’s son at a daycare run by his mother, Patricia Goularte. The daycare has since shut down, and the Velasquez family has filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte, his family, and their businesses, alleging negligence and sexual battery.

Goularte’s criminal trial is set for June 2, 2025. His family has maintained his innocence, with Patricia Goularte stating they have “ample evidence” to disprove the allegations. The outcome of Goularte’s trial could have significant implications for the civil lawsuit and the broader narrative surrounding Velasquez’s actions.

Velasquez’s Remorse and Reflection

In the days leading up to his sentencing, Velasquez spoke openly about the incident on the Kyle Kingsbury Podcast. He admitted that taking the law into his own hands was wrong and dangerous, not only to those involved but to innocent bystanders. “We cannot put the law in our own hands,” he said, reflecting on the lessons he had learned.

Velasquez also shared advice for other parents, emphasizing the importance of open communication with children about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. He expressed forgiveness toward the Goularte family, stating, “I can’t have hate for them… I wish them healing.” He added that his son is doing well and that the incident would not define him.

The MMA Community’s Response

The MMA community has been deeply divided over Velasquez’s case. Many, including UFC CEO Dana White and Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, rallied behind him. White even wrote a letter to the court in 2022, describing Velasquez as a “model example” of a professional athlete. Fans on social media platforms like X expressed sympathy, with some calling for leniency due to the circumstances. One post noted the judge’s emotional response, highlighting that he gave Velasquez “the lightest possible sentence” because “keeping a son from his father is the worst punishment.”

Others, however, criticized Velasquez’s actions, pointing out the danger he posed to the public. The Santa Clara County District Attorney, Jeff Rosen, condemned vigilantism, stating, “If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”

The Bigger Picture: Justice and Vigilantism

Velasquez’s case raises profound questions about justice, parenthood, and the law. As a father, Velasquez acted out of a primal instinct to protect his child, but his actions crossed a legal line with serious consequences. The case highlights the tension between personal justice and the legal system, as well as the devastating impact of child abuse allegations on families and communities.

At Phacts, we believe in examining all sides of a story. While Velasquez’s actions were undeniably dangerous, the context of his son’s alleged abuse adds layers of complexity. The judge’s decision to impose a relatively lenient sentence reflects this nuance, acknowledging both the severity of the crime and Velasquez’s character and circumstances.

What’s Next for Cain Velasquez?

Velasquez is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence in prison, with a release date likely in mid-2026, given his time served. Upon release, he will face restrictions, including the protective order and the firearms ban. His plans to manage Team Dubai for the Global Fight League in 2025 have been derailed, but his passion for MMA and coaching may lead him back to the sport in some capacity.

Velasquez’s family continues to pursue their civil lawsuit against the Goularte family, seeking accountability for the alleged abuse. The outcome of Goularte’s trial in June 2025 will likely influence the lawsuit and public perception of the case.

Stay Informed with Phacts

The story of Cain Velasquez is a reminder that truth is often complex, shaped by emotion, circumstance, and perspective. At Phacts, we’re committed to bringing you detailed, factual, and engaging stories that help you understand the world around you. Want to stay updated on this case and others like it? Subscribe to our newsletter at phactsblog.com for the latest insights, follow us on social media, and share this article with friends who want to dig deeper into the facts. Let’s keep the conversation going—because at Phacts, we believe knowledge is power.

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