Former UFC heavyweight king Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in jail for a shooting that took place in 2022. The 42-year-old had previously pleaded no contest to charges of felony attempted murder, assault and weapons charges after being accused of firing shots at the vehicle of a man accused of molesting his son.

The incident took place in February 2022. The American was duly arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail in California on an attempted first-degree murder charge, although he was released in November of that year and placed under house arrest. The judge ruled that he would receive credit for 1,283 days of time already served, meaning he’ll now spend less than two years behind bars.

The sentencing hearing took place in Santa Clara County court in San Jose, California. His attorney, Renee M. Hessling, defended her client’s character in a statement released afterwards.

"Today's results are bittersweet - we had hoped Mr Velasquez would remain out of jail,” she said. “However, the facts remain clear, Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community.

"What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare, one they did not deserve. Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable.

"The sentence handed down today reflects the situation’s complexities and acknowledges the man behind the headlines. When he is released, he will continue to lead by example - protecting, contributing, and caring for the people around him."

The career of the MMA icon peaked in 2010 when Velasquez beat Brock Lesnar to become UFC heavyweight champion. He retired in 2019, some three years before he was accused of shooting at a pickup truck carrying Harry Goularte - the man accused of molesting his then four-year-old son at a daycare facility.

The UFC responded by publicly backing Velasquez, with president Dana White submitting a character reference to the court during his case. 

Goularte will face a criminal trial, starting on June 2, on one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. He has pleaded not guilty.