
Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for 2022 Shooting
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison following a 2022 shooting incident in California. The sentencing was handed down in a Salinas courtroom, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-celebrated fighter. Velasquez, who was initially facing attempted murder charges, pleaded not guilty, but ultimately accepted a plea deal that reduced his charge to a lesser offense.
The incident that led to Velasquez's arrest occurred on February 28, 2022, when he allegedly shot at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who had been accused of molesting Velasquez's young son. The shooting sparked widespread attention due to Velasquez's high profile in the MMA community and the emotional context surrounding the alleged motive.
Velasquez's legal team argued that the former champion was driven by a father's instinct to protect his child, a sentiment that resonated with many of his supporters. However, the court determined that the actions taken were unlawful, leading to the prison sentence. Velasquez's case has sparked debates on the justice system's handling of cases involving child molestation and the lengths to which parents can go to protect their children.