Cain Velasquez is bracing himself for his sentencing in court this Monday, prepared to face the consequences.
The former UFC heavyweight titleholder entered a no-contest plea in April to charges stemming from a 2022 arrest, including felony assault and weapons charges, initially facing attempted premeditated murder.
Velasquez has largely refrained from public comment on the situation impacting him and his family. However, in a recent interview with former teammate Kyle Kingsbury, he opened up to discuss what he could.
“Regarding my own actions, I acknowledge that my approach was wrong,” Velasquez stated on The Kyle Kingsbury Podcast. “Taking the law into our own hands is not the answer.”
“Having entered a no-contest plea, I am awaiting sentencing this Monday. I am aware of my actions and their danger to innocent bystanders, not just those directly involved. I understand the gravity of what I did and am ready to accept the repercussions.”
“I will face whatever the court deems appropriate with integrity, taking full responsibility for my actions without shifting blame. It was my reaction and my doing.”
Velasquez’s arrest occurred in February 2022 after an 11-mile high-speed chase targeting a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, accused of child molestation against Velasquez’s son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother. Velasquez fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun at the vehicle, injuring Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Despite the ongoing trauma for his family, Velasquez expressed forgiveness towards Goularte, hoping for healing for all involved.
“I cannot remain fixated on negativity,” Velasquez explained. “Even towards that family, despite their actions, I cannot harbor hatred. I need to move forward, to give love to my children and those around me. I must share this positivity. Therefore, I cannot hold onto hate for them.”
“I wish them healing in whatever form that takes. I recognize they too have experienced trauma. Spreading negativity is not right… I am relieved they are no longer operating a daycare.”
“In my own time, I have forgiven them. My children are thriving… My son is incredibly strong and funny, my best friend. I am proud of him and he will not be defined by this. Both my son and daughter are destined for greatness, and I am blessed to share life with them. We support each other, learning from one another. Being with them is sacred.”
Regardless of Monday’s sentencing outcome, Velasquez hopes the public learns the importance of open communication between parents and children, and awareness of the reality of such issues in the world.
“My actions were wrong, I understand that,” Velasquez reiterated. “I have paid and will continue to pay for my mistakes. While I may never fully repay the harm, I can learn and help others.”
“It underscores the importance of knowing and trusting your children, maintaining open dialogue. Increased awareness of such dark realities can bring them to light.”
