Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for 2022 Shooting – On March 25, 2025, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a shooting incident that shocked the combat sports community. Velasquez, once celebrated as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), now faces the legal consequences of a personal tragedy that culminated in a highly publicized criminal case. The sentencing marks a partial conclusion to a saga that began with a high-speed pursuit and shooting in Morgan Hill, California, in February 2022, and has since sparked widespread debates about justice, morality, and the emotional toll of personal tragedy.
The shooting was triggered by deeply personal circumstances. Velasquez, in an act that many considered vigilante justice, targeted Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing a young relative of Velasquez’s family. Goularte was facing charges related to alleged child molestation at a daycare operated by his mother. This distressing situation set off a chain of events that led to Velasquez pursuing Goularte in a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Velasquez fired multiple shots at the vehicle in which Goularte, his stepfather Paul Bender, and another individual were traveling. Although Bender was wounded, Goularte, the intended target, was unharmed.
The aftermath of the shooting led to Velasquez’s arrest and the filing of multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. The incident ignited intense discussions within the MMA community and beyond, as many sympathized with Velasquez’s motives, seeing his actions as driven by a father’s natural desire to protect his family. The emotional weight of the situation led to public understanding of Velasquez’s state of mind, despite the serious nature of his actions.
Velasquez’s legal journey was long and complex. Initially facing a potential life sentence, his defense team negotiated a plea deal in 2023, allowing him to plead guilty to assault with a firearm. This plea deal marked a significant shift in the case, enabling a resolution while still holding Velasquez accountable for his actions. In a deeply emotional interview prior to his sentencing, Velasquez expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging that while he acted out of love for his family, he understood the legal and moral consequences of taking the law into his own hands.
During the sentencing hearing, Velasquez addressed the court, openly accepting responsibility for his actions and the harm they caused. While the judge acknowledged the pain and suffering that led to Velasquez’s choices, the court emphasized that vigilante justice is incompatible with the legal system. The principle of law must prevail, regardless of the emotional motivations behind an individual’s actions. Velasquez was ultimately sentenced to five years in prison, with credit for the nearly eight months he had already served prior to his release on bail. There is a possibility that he could be eligible for parole before completing his full sentence.
This sentencing marks a tragic turn in the life of a man who once dominated in the UFC, where he was known for his relentless work ethic and dominance inside the octagon. Now, Velasquez faces a very different battle—one that will take place behind bars. His legacy, once defined by his athletic achievements, is now overshadowed by the events of February 2022 and the consequences that followed.
Despite the severity of his actions, Velasquez has received considerable support from the MMA community. Many have expressed sympathy for the emotional turmoil that led to the shooting, emphasizing that while his actions were misguided, they were fueled by a father’s instinct to protect his family. This support underscores the complex emotions surrounding the case and reflects the understanding that while his actions cannot be justified, they were borne out of understandable pain and anguish.
As Velasquez begins his prison sentence, he must navigate a new chapter in his life. The possibility of parole offers some hope that he may one day be able to move forward and rebuild his life. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between justice and emotion, and the impact that personal tragedy can have on an individual’s actions. For now, Velasquez faces a new fight—one that, unlike his battles in the octagon, will determine the course of his life for years to come.