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Cain Velasquez

Cain Velasquez is an American former mixed martial artist and professional wrestler best known for competing in the UFC heavyweight division, where he became a two-time undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cain Velasquez is an American former mixed martial artist and professional wrestler best known for competing in the UFC heavyweight division, where he became a two-time undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. He retired from MMA in 2019 and later worked in professional wrestling. In 2025, he was sentenced in a California criminal case stemming from a 2022 shooting incident.

Early life and background

Cain Ramírez Velásquez was born on July 28, 1982, in Salinas, California. He is described in sources as an American fighter of Mexican descent.

Mixed martial arts career

Velasquez became widely known for his UFC career in the heavyweight division. He won the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2010 and again held the title from 2012 to 2015.

Professional wrestling

After retiring from MMA in 2019, Velasquez moved into professional wrestling. Sources note work with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and WWE before his release from WWE in 2020.

In connection with a 2022 shooting incident in California, Velasquez pleaded no contest to criminal charges and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2025. Later reporting states he was released on parole after time served.

Key facts

  • Cain Velasquez is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion in the heavyweight division.
  • He retired from mixed martial arts in 2019.
  • His professional MMA record is 14 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws.
  • After MMA, he pursued professional wrestling with AAA and WWE.
  • In 2025, he was sentenced to five years in prison for a 2022 shooting incident, later released on parole.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Cain Velasquez?
Cain Velasquez is a former American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler best known for being a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.
How old is Cain Velasquez?
He was born on July 28, 1982, which makes him 43 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What happened to Cain Velasquez?
He retired from MMA in 2019, later entered professional wrestling, and was later convicted in a California shooting case tied to a 2022 incident.
Why is Cain Velasquez in jail?
He was jailed after pleading no contest to charges related to a 2022 shooting and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2025.
What is Cain Velasquez's record?
His professional MMA record is 14 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws.
Is Cain Velasquez still fighting?
No. He retired from mixed martial arts in 2019 and later worked in professional wrestling instead.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cain_Velasquez
    Supports: Birth date, MMA career, UFC titles, retirement from MMA, wrestling career.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335654/cain-velasquez
    Supports: Birth date and last UFC fight details.
  3. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/cain-velasquez
    Supports: Professional MMA record and last fight.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/47940244/former-ufc-champ-cain-velasquez-released-prison-parole
    Supports: 2025 sentencing, parole release, and 2022 shooting context.
  5. Santa Clara County District Attorney — https://da.santaclaracounty.gov/former-ufc-fighter-sentenced-prison-vigilante-shooting
    Supports: Prison sentence and description of the shooting case.