Cain Velasquez apologized for 'reckless' actions in statement prior to sentencing: 'I am truly sorry'
03/24/2025 08:10 PM
Cain Velasquez took responsibility for his actions while giving a statement in court on Monday prior to a judge handing him a five-year prison sentence after pleading No Contest on attempted murder charges.
The ex-UFC heavyweight champion, who was first arrested back in February 2022, was allowed to speak in court before Judge Arthur Bocanegra issued his sentence. Velasquez faced numerous felony charges after he went on an 11-mile high speed chase pursuing a car and firing a handgun at a vehicle that contained Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting the fighter's young son at a daycare owned by his mother.
In the end, Goularte's stepfather Paul Bender was struck by a bullet but sustained non-life threatening injuries before Velasquez was arrested without incident. Addressing the court on Monday, Velasquez apologized for his actions.
"I am truly sorry," Velasquez said in court, per numerous reports. "My actions were reckless and extremely dangerous. I'm ashamed and regretful for how I handled myself on the day of my crime.
"Out of all this, I wish safe healing for my family, and to the Goulartes, I wish safe healing, and to the community, I wish safe healing."
Prosecutors in the case were seeking a 30 year to life sentence for Velasquez while his defense attorneys argued for time served and probation.
In the end, Bocanegra sided with less punishment while noting that as much as Velasquez needed to pay for his crime, his family was also victimized with his young son's involvement in the alleged child molestation case.
While Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison, he also gets credit for 1,283 days already served, which counts his past time in jail as well as the time he spent on house arrest.
It's expected that Velasquez ultimately serves less than two years in prison and perhaps even less depending on credit he may receive for good behavior.
Velasquez, who was flanked by friends and family in the courtroom, was allowed a moment with his wife and children before he was remanded into custody to begin his sentence.
