Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has entered a no-contest plea in response to felony charges of attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon violations. The plea was submitted on Friday at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. This development comes after a dramatic incident earlier this year that upended the life of the mixed martial arts legend.
The Incident
The charges against Velasquez stem from a high-stakes car chase that culminated in an exchange of gunfire. The incident occurred when Velasquez, driven by suspicions of his four-year-old son being molested by Harry Goularte, decided to take matters into his own hands. Goularte, who has been charged with a felony count of lewd acts with a child, became Velasquez's target in a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, Velasquez allegedly fired several shots at the vehicle believed to be carrying Goularte. Unfortunately, the intended target was not hit; instead, Goularte’s stepfather was struck, leading to a severe escalation of legal stakes for Velasquez.
Legal Repercussions
Following the incident, Velasquez was arrested and later released on a conditional bail set at $1 million in November. The no-contest plea he entered serves to avoid admitting guilt while not disputing the charges. This strategic move ensures that premeditated charges, which carry a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole, are removed from the case.
The decision to submit the no-contest plea is a pivotal one, setting the stage for a potentially lighter sentence. Specifics regarding the final judgment will be determined in forthcoming court hearings.
Ongoing Trials
Harry Goularte awaits his trial on the felony count of lewd acts with a child. This parallel legal drama adds another layer of complexity to the proceedings surrounding Velasquez's case. Goularte’s fate will likely influence not just the court's perspective but also public sentiment surrounding Velasquez’s actions.
The sentencing hearing for Velasquez is scheduled for October 18. The outcome of this hearing will significantly affect Velasquez's future, both personally and professionally.
Career Highlights
Cain Velasquez’s career in the UFC was marked by exceptional performances and significant accomplishments. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 with a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. Velasquez went on to robustly defend his title twice, cementing his status as one of the formidable heavyweights in the sport.
However, his MMA career took an unexpected downward turn after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. This defeat led to the end of Velasquez’s tenure in the octagon. Following his MMA career, Velasquez transitioned to professional wrestling, where he competed in a high-profile match against Brock Lesnar in WWE.
Given Velasquez's notable contributions to combat sports, the unfolding of his legal troubles has been a matter of significant interest to both fans and analysts. His story is one of triumph, turbulence, and a fight for redemption outside the arena he once dominated.
As October 18 approaches, the sports community will watch closely, awaiting an outcome that could profoundly impact both Velasquez’s personal life and his legacy in the world of combat sports.