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Cain Velasquez was expected to be sentenced on Friday after pleading “No Contest” to multiple charges, including attempted murder, for his 2022 shooting in Santa Clara, California. Instead, the former UFC heavyweight champion will complete his motions hearing later this week but return on March 24 for his actual sentencing.
That’s according to a report from MMA Fighting.
The 42 year-old Velasquez, who remains free after posting $1 million bond, struck a deal with prosecutors to keep himself from a life behind bars. That said, the newly-signed GFL coach is still expected to face prison time when he returns for sentencing in March, which could interfere with his GFL plans, depending on the verdict.
Velasquez was arrested in March 2022 after a wild car chase that ended with Velasquez opening fire in broad daylight. His intended victim, accused child molester Harry Goularte, escaped uninjured but the former luchador struck and wounded Goularte’s passenger.
“This defendant decided to become judge, jury, and executioner,” Santa Clara County district attorney Jeff Rosen said. “His actions endangered innocent bystanders, including young children and their parents who could have been injured or killed as he shot at his intended victim. We have excellent law enforcement in this county. Let them do their jobs.”
Velasquez (14-3) has not competed since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in early 2019.
