SAN FRANCISCO—Cain Velasquez, a former UFC champion, has pleaded no contest to a charge of attempted murder. This relates to a shooting incident from 2022. The shooting involved a man accused of molesting a relative of Velasquez.
The statement was released by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office, led by Jeff Rosen. According to the office, Velasquez entered his plea during a court appearance in San Jose. The details surrounding the case emerged after Velasquez allegedly shot at the man in question.
Authorities reported that Velasquez confronted the individual in his vehicle. The shooting occurred as he aimed to protect a family member whom the accused had allegedly harmed. The incident drew significant media attention and raised discussions about self-defense and family protection motives.
The shooting reportedly took place on February 28, 2022. It led to a high-profile investigation into Velasquez’s actions. Initially, he was charged with attempted murder and several other related charges. After months of legal proceedings, his no contest plea was presented.
This situation has been particularly notable given Velasquez’s background as a prominent athlete. His career in the UFC, where he held the heavyweight championship title, has made him a familiar name in sports. At the time of the incident, he was retired from professional fighting.
Legal experts have pointed out that pleading no contest means Velasquez does not admit guilt but accepts the consequences of the charge. This plea may lead to a more lenient sentence compared to a guilty plea. The terms of the plea deal and the potential sentence for Velasquez remain unclear at this stage.