Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez made headlines once more as he entered a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges. This significant courtroom development took place at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, on Friday.
The charges against Velasquez stem from a harrowing car chase incident where the former mixed martial artist took the law into his own hands. It all began when Velasquez accused Harry Goularte of molesting his four-year-old son. In a fit of fury and perceived justice, Velasquez engaged in a high-speed pursuit targeting Goularte.
During the chase, Velasquez fired several shots at a vehicle that Goularte was traveling in. Unfortunately, the intended target, Goularte, was not hit. Instead, Goularte’s stepfather suffered gunshot wounds, escalating the gravity of the situation and leading to Velasquez's immediate arrest.
Legal ramifications quickly followed. Velasquez was released from jail in November after posting a conditional bail set at $1 million. However, the legal wheels kept turning as he faced serious charges that could have led to severe consequences.
Plea and Legal Strategy
By entering a no-contest plea, Velasquez strategically removed the premeditated aspects of the charges. This move effectively mitigated the potential severity of the outcome. The premeditation charges alone could have carried a mandatory life imprisonment sentence with the possibility of parole. Now, however, Velasquez hopes for a lighter sentence, the details of which are to be determined in upcoming court hearings.
The sentencing hearing for Velasquez is currently scheduled for October 18. The former champion will await his fate, as the judicial system meticulously considers all aspects of the case.
Goularte's Legal Troubles
On the other side of this tangled web, Harry Goularte is facing his own day in court. Goularte awaits trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child, an accusation that has undoubtedly marred his life. The outcomes of both legal battles are being closely monitored by the public and media alike.
A Storied Career in MMA and Wrestling
Cain Velasquez’s legal woes stand in stark contrast to his illustrious career in the world of mixed martial arts. Velasquez captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 with a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. His tenure as a champion was marked by robust title defenses, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.
However, like many careers in combat sports, Velasquez’s time in the spotlight came to a sudden end. In 2019, he suffered a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, a defeat that marked the conclusion of his MMA journey.
Even after stepping away from the octagon, Velasquez’s athletic exploits continued. He transitioned into professional wrestling, where he contended in high-profile matches, most notably against WWE star Brock Lesnar. While his wrestling career may not have reached the same heights as his MMA stint, it showcased Velasquez’s enduring spirit and competitiveness.
As Velasquez navigates this challenging chapter in his life, the sports community reflects on a complex figure—a champion in the ring now grappling with the repercussions of actions taken outside of it.