Cain Velasquez Enters No-Contest Plea in California Court
In a dramatic turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has entered a no-contest plea to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges. The plea was submitted on Friday at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California.
The charges against Velasquez stem from a harrowing car chase incident. Velasquez targeted Harry Goularte, a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son. The pursuit, which escalated into a high-speed chase, saw Velasquez fire multiple shots at a vehicle containing Goularte. While Goularte escaped unharmed, the shots struck his stepfather.
Velasquez's decision to enter a no-contest plea effectively removes the burden of proving premeditation. As a result, the potential severity of the legal outcome is reduced. Premeditation charges could have resulted in a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole. By negating premeditation from the proceedings, Velasquez has positioned himself for a lighter sentence. The specifics of his sentencing will be determined in upcoming court hearings, with a sentencing hearing set for October 18.
The former champion's legal troubles have captured significant media attention, not just due to the high-stakes nature of the charges but also because of Velasquez's storied career in mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. Velasquez's arrest led to his release from jail on a conditional bail set at a staggering $1 million back in November.
Meanwhile, Harry Goularte faces his legal battles, awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child.
Rise and Fall of a Champion
Velasquez's journey to stardom began in December 2012 when he captured the UFC heavyweight championship in a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. Known for his relentless pace and wrestling prowess, Velasquez swiftly established himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the heavyweight division. His tenure as champion saw him robustly defend his title twice, cementing his legacy within the sport.
Despite his successes, Velasquez's career in MMA came to an abrupt halt after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. Significantly, his transition from MMA to professional wrestling was marked by noteworthy moments, including a marquee match against Brock Lesnar in WWE.
A Tumultuous Chapter
These latest developments add a tumultuous chapter to Velasquez's life and career. Fans and observers of the combat sports world are now left reflecting on the stark contrast between Velasquez's indomitable presence in the octagon and the acute personal challenges he currently faces outside of it.
As the legal proceedings continue, the sports community watches closely, balancing admiration for Velasquez's athletic achievements with the gravity of the allegations and charges at hand. What remains clear is that the future, both in and out of the courtroom, holds significant implications for Velasquez and those involved.