KEY POINTS

  • Cain Velasquez could face at least 20 years in prison up to a life sentence if found guilty of attempted murder
  • He was believed to be targeting a man who had molested a close relative of his
  • Following his MMA retirement, Velasquez became a pro wrestler and had one match in WWE

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez could be behind bars for a very long time after a shooting incident in San Jose, California.

MMA outlet MMA Junkie revealed that they had acquired a copy of Velasquez’s criminal complaint and the charges that he faces which are the following:

  • Attempted murder (one count)
  • Shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft (one count)
  • Assault with a firearm (three counts)
  • Assault with a deadly weapon (three counts)
  • Willfully discharging a firearm (one count)
  • Carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony (one count)

If Velazquez were to be found guilty of attempted murder, he could be facing a minimum of 20 years to life in prison as per the California penal code.

It was reported on Monday, March 1 that Velasquez had been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly firing three shots at a vehicle, with his target believed to be 43-year-old Harry Goularte–a man who was recently charged with molesting a “close relative” of the Mexican-American mixed martial artist.

Santa Clara District attorney Jeff Rosen lamented Velasquez’s actions that had endangered the public.

“The sad tragedy is that Mr. Velasquez chose to take the law into his own hands, endangering the public and everyone in the truck. This act of violence also causes more pain and suffering to his family,” said Rosen as quoted by MMA Junkie.

A social media campaign with the hashtag “Free Cain” has since been launched with multiple MMA stars supporting the cause to release Velasquez from prison, which includes the likes of Michael Chiesa, Brendan Schaub and Ben Askren.

After losing by knockout to eventual UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Velasquez retired from MMA and went on to dabble in pro wrestling.

A few months after his stint with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Velasquez was signed to WWE and had a short feud with Brock Lesnar that culminated in a match at Crown Jewel 2019 where he lost.

Velasquez is set to have a court hearing on March 23 and will likely be held in the main jail of Santa Clara County until that day as no bail was set following his arraignment on Wednesday, March 2.

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