Challenges in the Life of Cain Velasquez in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cain Velasquez's life and career.

Cain Velasquez is an American former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. He is best known for his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was a dominant force in the heavyweight division. Velasquez achieved the status of a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, showcasing his skills in striking and wrestling. His impressive record and championship reigns solidified his position as one of the most significant figures in UFC heavyweight history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 12, 2011: Loses Title to Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 1

On November 12, 2011, Cain Velasquez lost his title to Junior dos Santos via KO in the first round at UFC on Fox 1. It was later revealed that both fighters were injured going into the fight.

2011: Shoulder Injury

In 2011, Cain Velasquez suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder during his fight with Lesnar and underwent successful surgery, planning to return as early as Fall 2011.

October 21, 2014: Pulled Out of Bout Due to Injury

On October 21, 2014, Cain Velasquez pulled out of the bout against Fabrício Werdum at UFC 180 due to a torn meniscus and sprained MCL in his right knee.

October 23, 2014: Surgery to Repair Torn Meniscus

On October 23, 2014, Cain Velasquez underwent successful surgery to repair his torn meniscus.

June 13, 2015: Lost to Fabrício Werdum at UFC 188

On June 13, 2015, Cain Velasquez lost to Fabrício Werdum via guillotine choke submission in the third round at UFC 188.

February 6, 2016: Rematch with Werdum Backed Out

On February 6, 2016, the expected rematch between Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum at UFC Fight Night 82 was cancelled after both fighters backed out citing injuries.

December 30, 2016: Unfit to compete

On December 30, 2016, Cain Velasquez was scheduled for rematch against Werdum at UFC 207. However, the Nevada State Athletic Commission deemed him unfit to compete due to bone spurs on his back.

February 17, 2019: Loss to Francis Ngannou

On February 17, 2019, Cain Velasquez headlined UFC's inaugural event on ESPN, UFC on ESPN 1 against Francis Ngannou and lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

January 2020: Royal Rumble Idea Scrapped

In January 2020, WWE had planned to use Cain Velasquez at their Royal Rumble pay-per-view event, but he suffered an injury and the idea was scrapped.

April 2020: Release from WWE Contract

In April 2020, Cain Velasquez was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 28, 2020: Released from WWE Contract

On April 28, 2020, Cain Velasquez was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 28, 2022: Shooting Incident in Santa Clara County

On February 28, 2022, Cain Velasquez shot at a man in Santa Clara County, California, and hit an unintended victim after the man was released from custody on a personal recognizance bond for allegedly committing child sexual abuse on Velasquez's son.

March 2022: Attempted Murder Charge

In March 2022, Cain Velasquez was charged with attempted murder and gun assault after a car chase and shooting, where he allegedly targeted a man accused of molesting his son, but hit the man's father instead.

April 12, 2022: Continuance Granted

On April 12, 2022, the judge granted a continuance until May 6 for a plea hearing in Cain Velasquez's case.

June 2022: Goularte Pleads Not Guilty

In June 2022, Harry Goularte pleaded not guilty to related criminal charges.

June 29, 2022: Civil Lawsuit Filed

On June 29, 2022, news surfaced about a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of Cain Velasquez's son against Harry Goularte Jr. for alleged sexual molestation, and against Goularte's mother and stepfather for operating the child-care business where the abuse allegedly occurred.