Cain Velasquez

Cain Ramírez Velásquez arrived in Salinas on July 28, 1982, carrying a legacy of amateur wrestling that would eventually reshape the heavyweight division in mixed martial arts. He spent years dominating the octagon for the Ultimate Fighting Championship before hanging up his gloves in 2019. His two reigns as UFC Heavyweight Champion remain some of the most dominant stretches in the sport's history, defined by powerful striking and elite grappling. After leaving MMA, he pivoted to professional wrestling, starting with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in Mexico before signing with WWE in the United States. His run in the American promotion ended abruptly in April 2020 when budget cuts linked to the pandemic forced his release. Life outside the ring took a dark turn in March 2022 following a violent altercation involving a car chase and gunfire. Authorities charged him with attempted murder and assault after he allegedly shot at a man accused of molesting his four-year-old son, missing the target but hitting the victim's stepfather instead. The legal battle concluded in March 2025 when a judge sentenced him to five years in prison and four years of supervised probation. He served his time while participating in rehabilitative programs and was granted early parole, walking free on February 15, 2026. Now 44, Velasquez has moved past his incarceration period, though the incident remains a stark contrast to his earlier athletic achievements.[edit]