Cain Ramรญrez Velรกsquez, born July 28, 1982, is an American former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. He gained fame in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), becoming a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. In 2019, he retired from MMA and pursued professional wrestling, joining Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and later WWE.
In April 2020, WWE released him due to COVID-19 budget cuts. In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder after shooting at a man accused of molesting his 4-year-old son. In March 2025, he received a five-year prison sentence and four years probation.
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Cain Velasquez Net Worth
Cain Velasquez has a net worth of $4 million. He earned significant sums throughout his career, including a $450,000 payout for his fight against Francis Ngannou at UFC on ESPN1 in February 2019.
In real estate, Velasquez and his wife listed their 5,100-square-foot home in Gilroy, California, for $1.7 million in 2014. The property, built in 1999 on over two acres, later had its price reduced to $1.6 million.
Early Life
Caรญn Velasquez was born in Salinas, California, to Efraรญn and Isabel Velasquez. His father, originally from Sonora, Mexico, became a U.S. citizen after marrying Isabel. Velasquez grew up in Yuma, Arizona, with siblings Efraรญn Jr. and Adela. He excelled in wrestling and football at Kofa High School, winning two 5A Arizona Wrestling Championships.
He wrestled at Iowa Central Community College, winning the NJCAA National Championship. Velasquez then attended Arizona State University, earning All-American status twice and graduating in 2006 with a bachelorโs degree.
Career
Caรญn Velasquez began his MMA career after college at American Kickboxing Academy. He holds a brown belt in Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu under Dave Camarillo, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leandro Vieira, and is an NCAA Division I wrestler. Velasquez debuted in MMA on October 7, 2006, winning by TKO against Jesse Fujarczyk.
In the UFC, he won early fights against Brad Morris, Jake O’Brien, Denis Stojniฤ (earning Knockout of the Night), and defeated Cheick Kongo by unanimous decision. He also beat Ben Rothwell and knocked out Antรดnio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 110.
Personal life
Caรญn Velasquez speaks English and Spanish. He has appeared on Telemundo, Univision, and Mexicoโs Televisa Deportes, as well as the TBS show Lopez Tonight. Velasquez is known for his prominent “Brown Pride” tattoo, honoring his Mexican heritage.
He is married to Michelle since May 28, 2011. They have two children: a daughter born in 2009 and a son born in 2018. The family resides in San Jose, California.
Who Took the Title from Cain Velasquez?
During their initial sparring session at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Daniel Cormier, transitioning from a distinguished wrestling career to MMA, was taken aback by Cain Velasquez’s prowess. At that time, Velasquez, not yet the renowned UFC heavyweight champion but a burgeoning force within the heavyweight top 10, showcased his formidable skills.
Cormier, previously the captain of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team, underestimated Velasquez, only to realize the immense challenge ahead in MMA. Reflecting on the spar, Cormier acknowledged the steep learning curve he faced, considering Velasquez’s then-unrealized potential. This moment underscored the demanding nature of MMA, setting a high benchmark for Cormier’s future endeavors in the sport.
Conclusion
The career of Cain Velasquez is a compelling narrative that extends far beyond the confines of the octagon and wrestling ring. It’s a tale woven with triumphs, setbacks, and unwavering resilience.
His journey from a celebrated UFC heavyweight champion to a professional wrestler encompasses not only his physical prowess but also his financial acumen, culminating in a net worth reflective of his diverse career. Velasquez’s legacy, however, is tinged with moments of controversy, highlighting the complex nature of a life lived in the relentless pursuit of greatness.
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FAQs about Cain Velasquez
- What is Cain Velasquez known for? Cain Velasquez is renowned for his dominant tenure in the UFC’s heavyweight division, where he claimed the Heavyweight Championship title twice. His transition to professional wrestling further showcases his versatile talent in combat sports and entertainment.
- How many times did Cain Velasquez win the UFC Heavyweight Championship? Velasquez captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice, with his reigns marked by memorable victories and showcasing his exceptional skills as a mixed martial artist.
- Why did Cain Velasquez leave the WWE? Cain Velasquez was released from his WWE contract in 2020, primarily due to budget cuts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges adapting to the professional wrestling environment, including his performance and dealing with injuries.
- What led to Cain Velasquez being charged with attempted murder? In 2022, Velasquez was charged with attempted murder following an incident where he was involved in a shooting. This action was reportedly in response to allegations of molestation against a relative, leading to a drastic and controversial moment in his life.
- What is Cain Velasquez’s net worth? Cain Velasquez has an estimated net worth of $4 million, accumulated through his successful careers in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, alongside earnings from fight purses, endorsements, and investments, such as his ventures in real estate.
