How many kids does Cain Velasquez have? Know about UFC legend’s family
Everything in detail about former UFC heavyweight champion and Cain Velasquez's family, kids and the shooting incident.
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Cain Velasquez's family and kids (via Instagram)
Cain Velasquez is one of the most dominant UFC heavyweight champions ever, known for his relentless pressure, wrestling, and cardio. However, he was sentenced to five years in prison, shocking fans and fighters alike. The MMA community has expressed disappointment, but continues to show immense support for Velasquez during this difficult time.
Recently, it was announced that Velasquez will have to spend five years in prison for
a 2022 shooting incident. In February 2022, Velasquez pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son. During the 11-mile car chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots, intending to harm the offender, but instead injured Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender.
Fortunately, Bender’s injuries were not life-threatening, which could have made things more serious. Velasquez was arrested, charged with attempted murder and other related offenses. In August 2024, he pleaded no contest to these charges, leading to his sentencing in March 2025.
The court acknowledged Velasquez’s remorse and his previously clean criminal record. Despite prosecutors seeking a longer sentence, the judge imposed a five-year term, with credit for time already served. It will potentially reducing his remaining incarceration to approximately one year. Now, Velasquez will have to stay away from his kids, whom he loves very dearly.
Cain Velasquez’s family and kids
Other than being a dominant force in the octagon, Cain Velasquez is a devoted family man. He married his wife, Michelle Velasquez, on May 28, 2011, committing to a lifelong partnership filled with love and support. The couple has two children: a daughter born in 2009 and a son born in 2018, completing their beautiful family.
The names of the children remains hidden from the internet for privacy reasons. The family reside in San Jose, California, where Velasquez balances his duty as a husband and dad, with his passion for MMA and personal commitments. The heavyweight fighter often shared pictures of his kids and wife on social media, showing a caring and loving side of him.
Velasquez also had a similar attitude towards his friends and team, especially at the famous AKA Gym in San Jose. Velasquez trained under Javier Mendez when he became the heavyweight champion of UFC. He was very close with Daniel Cormier and used to train with him at AKA. Cormier has repeatedly said that Velasquez was the best heavyweight he ever trained with, and they pushed each other to their limits.
Velasquez also shared a similar relationship with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov who trained at AKA. The Dagestani respected Velasquez’s work ethic and used to look up to him. When Velasquez was active, he often watched his training, absorbing his relentless pace and pressure. All three of these legends were huge part of AKA’s success as top MMA gym.
UFC community reaction to Cain Velasquez’s prison sentence
Cain Velasquez is highly respected among the MMA community and fighters have supported him since the incident happened. This case sparked significant debate within the MMA community. It highlighted discussions about justice and the lengths to which individuals might go to protect their loved ones.
While many sympathize with Velasquez’s motivations, the court emphasized the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands and the importance of adhering to legal processes. As expected, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier did their best to speak about it on a public platform. Other than them, many other top superstars championed to free Cain Velasquez.
UFC CEO Dana White wrote a letter on his behalf, showcasing Velasquez’s personality as a fighter. Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and Islam Makhachev voiced their support. Meanwhile, Joe Rogan criticized the legal system over his case. Sean O’Malley and Derek Brunson spoke out online, believing the heavyweight legend acted as a protective father.
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