Early Life and Education of Cain Velasquez: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Cain Velasquez, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

July 28, 1982: Cain Velasquez's Birth

On July 28, 1982, Cain Ramírez Velásquez was born. He would later become a professional wrestler and mixed martial artist.

2001: Iowa Central Community College

In 2001, Cain Velasquez attended Iowa Central Community College and wrestled for one season.

2005: Fifth Place at Nationals

In 2005, Cain Velasquez, wrestling for Arizona State University, placed 5th in the country.

October 7, 2006: MMA Debut

On October 7, 2006, Cain Velasquez made his MMA debut against Jesse Fujarczyk at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello and won by TKO in the first round.

2006: Fourth Place at Nationals and Graduation

In 2006, Cain Velasquez placed 4th in the country and graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

2009: Birth of Daughter

In 2009, Cain Velasquez and his wife Michelle had a daughter.

February 20, 2010: Defeats Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 110

On February 20, 2010, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira via first-round KO at UFC 110, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

May 28, 2011: Marriage

On May 28, 2011, Cain Velasquez married his wife Michelle.

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.

May 26, 2012: Defeats Antônio Silva at UFC 146

On May 26, 2012, Cain Velasquez defeated Antônio Silva via first-round TKO at UFC 146.

September 22, 2012: Rematch with Dos Santos

On September 22, 2012, the rematch of Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos was expected to take place at UFC 152. The date was later set for UFC 155.

May 25, 2013: First title defense against Silva

On May 25, 2013, Cain Velasquez had his first title defense and faced Antônio Silva in a rematch at UFC 160, winning via TKO in the first round.

October 19, 2013: Wins against Junior Dos Santos

On October 19, 2013, Cain Velasquez competed in a rubber match with Junior dos Santos at UFC 166 in Houston, Texas. Velasquez won by TKO at 3:09 of the fifth round, successfully defending his title.

April 29, 2014: The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America coaches

On April 29, 2014, Cain Velasquez and Fabrício Werdum were selected as coaches for the inaugural installment of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America.

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.

November 15, 2014: Expected Fight Date at UFC 180

On November 15, 2014, Cain Velasquez was expected to face Fabrício Werdum at UFC 180, but he pulled out of the bout due to injury.

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.

July 9, 2016: Defeats Travis Browne at UFC 200

On July 9, 2016, Cain Velasquez faced Travis Browne at UFC 200 and won the fight via TKO in the closing seconds of the first round.

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.

July 19, 2018: Trained at WWE Performance Center

On July 19, 2018, it was reported that Cain Velasquez trained in the WWE Performance Center under head coach Norman Smiley and later attended Diamond Dallas Page's yoga session. He had attended an NXT event the previous night.

2018: Birth of Son

In 2018, Cain Velasquez and his wife Michelle had a son.

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.

March 2019: Signed with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide

In March 2019, Cain Velasquez signed a multi-match agreement with Mexican professional wrestling promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide as a heavyweight competitor.

October 4, 2019: WWE Debut on SmackDown

On October 4, 2019, Cain Velasquez made his WWE debut on SmackDown, confronting and attacking Brock Lesnar after his WWE Championship victory.

October 4, 2019: Withdrawal From USADA Testing Pool

On October 4, 2019, it was revealed that Cain Velasquez would be withdrawing from the USADA testing pool to focus on his professional wrestling career after his first appearance for WWE.

October 11, 2019: Retirement from MMA

On October 11, 2019, Cain Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA.

2019: Retirement from MMA and wrestling debut

In 2019, Cain Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts and began his professional wrestling career. He initially worked for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide before joining WWE.

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.

October 9, 2021: Return to AAA Announced

On October 9, 2021, it was announced that Cain Velasquez would be returning to AAA in December.

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.

September 6, 2022: First Hearing for Lawsuit

On September 6, 2022, the first hearing for the civil lawsuit against Harry Goularte Jr., filed on behalf of Cain Velasquez's son, took place.

December 3, 2022: Return to AAA

On December 3, 2022, Cain Velasquez made his return to AAA, teaming with Pagano and Blue Demon Jr. to defeat La Empresa (Sam Adonis and Gringo Loco) and Taurus at an event held at the Mullett Arena on the campus of his alma mater Arizona State University.