A former heavy weight champion, has a storied career both in and outside of the octagon. Born in Salinas,

Published 5 Nov 2025

Sports – Cain Velasquez

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A former heavy weight champion, has a storied career both in and outside of the octagon. Born in Salinas, CA, Velasquez is of Mexican descent and raised in a family that valued sports and physical activity. His journey began with wrestling, which he excelled at in high school and later at Arizona State University, where he became a two-time All-American.

Velasquez first burst onto the MMA scene in the mid-2000s and made a name for himself as one of the formidable up-and-coming heavy weights, rising through the ranks quickly. In 2010, he captured the UFC heavy weight title by defeating Brock Lesner at UFC 121, becoming the first Mexican-American to win a UFC championship. HE defended his title successfully before losing it to Junior dos Santos in 2011, a rivalry that would define his career. The two fighters faced each other three times, with Velasquez ultimately regaining the title in their rematch. He officially retired from the UFC in 2019 as one of the greatest heavy weights in the history of the sport.

However, the highly esteemed fighter’s life took a drastic turn in 2022 when he was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder. Velasquez went after a vehicle occupying several individuals, including a man who was accused of molesting one of his children. He shot at the vehicle, injuring his target. The incident took place in San Jose, CA, and it sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community and beyond. Velasquez’s actions were viewed by many as an expression of a father’s instinct to protect his child, garnering massive media coverage and public support.

As of now, Velasquez has pled out to a 5-year prison sentence, which is already being appealed. His case has raised questions about the intersection of personal trauma, justice, and the responsibilities that come with being a man and a father. The alleged child molester may have gotten off easy only getting shot instead of dealing with heavy weight hands thrown up close and personal.

NOTICE

Sadly in the competitive world of sports, it is very hard to come back from a conviction/incarceration and still be able to maintain the level of athleticism needed to compete at the highest level. We do not pretend to showcase stories of athletes losing it all, but the reality is that’s what happens most.