Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez on Monday faced a five-year jail sentence from a California judge for triggering the 2022 mass shooting.
Velasquez entered a no-contest plea for felony attempted murder and assault in addition to weapon violations in August.
He faced these court charges due to his attempted shooting at a man who had been accused of molesting his son.
During this incident Velasquez wounded the second party who shared the vehicle with the victim but managed to escape unhurt.
“Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable.” Velasquez’s attorney Renee M. Hessling said.
“The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation 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.” he added.
Velasquez addressed the situation in an interview with his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury on “Kyle Kingsbury Podcast” in the March 14 episode.
“The way that I handled things, that was not the way to do it. We cannot put the law in our own hands,” Velasquez said.
“I know what I did. And I know what I did was very dangerous to other people. I’m willing to do anything I have to to pay back that.
“Whatever the court feels correct for what I have to do, I’m gonna do it with my head up and still be me and not play the blame game. It was me that did that and reacted in that way.” Velasquez added.
Velasquez won his first and second UFC heavyweight title during 2010 and 2012.
Ever since his era started Velasquez became widely recognised as one of the legendary athletes among heavyweights as he earned multiple championships while enduring different career injuries.
