Ivan Konov

American film director, film editor, screenwriter, and animator. He was a longtime member of the creative team at Pixar, where he started in 1994 as a film editor. He later began directing, first as co-director of Toy Story 2.After co-directing Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and Finding Nemo, Unkrich made his solo directorial debut with Toy Story 3 in 2010, and most recently directed Coco in 2017, both of which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.After working at Pixar for 25 years, Unkrich retired from the company in January 2019 to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.

Caín Velasquez was born in Salinas, California to Efraín and Isabel Velasquez. Efraín had moved to the U.S. from Sonora, Mexico as an illegal immigrant, where he met American-born Isabel. They started a relationship and later married, which allowed Efraín to attain U.S. citizenship. The Velasquez family had three children: Efraín Jr., Adela and Caín.

Velasquez was raised in Yuma, Arizona. He graduated from Kofa High School where, in four years of wrestling, he compiled a record of 110–10 and won the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Velasquez also played football for three years. As a senior, he served as captain of both his wrestling and football teams. As a football player, he played linebacker.

Caín Velasquez was born in Salinas, California to Efraín and Isabel Velasquez. Efraín had moved to the U.S. from Sonora, Mexico as an illegal immigrant, where he met American-born Isabel. They started a relationship and later married, which allowed Efraín to attain U.S. citizenship. The Velasquez family had three children: Efraín Jr., Adela and Caín.Velasquez was raised in Yuma, Arizona. He graduated from Kofa High School where, in four years of wrestling, he compiled a record of 110–10 and won the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Velasquez also played football for three years. As a senior, he served as captain of both his wrestling and football teams. As a football player, he played linebacker. After high school, he attended Iowa Central Community CollegeIowa Central Community College, wrestling for one season (2001–02) and winning the NJCAA National Championship in the heavyweight (285 lb limit) division. Afterwards, Velasquez transferred to Arizona State University. He wrestled for the Sun Devils for three seasons and compiled a record of 86–17, placing 5th in the country in 2005, and 4th in 2006. While at ASU, Velasquez wrestled alongside future UFC fighters Ryan Bader and C.B. Dollaway.[6] He graduated from ASU in 2006, earning a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Caín Ramirez Velasquez (born July 28, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist, currently appearing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). He is widely known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipUltimate Fighting Championship, where he competed in the heavyweight division and became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts. That same year, Velasquez embarked on a professional wrestling career, firstly working for the Mexican Lucha Libre promotion AAA before moving to the American WWEWWE promotion. In April 2020, he was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemicCOVID-19 pandemic. In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges after allegedly shooting at a man who was alleged to have molested one of Velasquez's young relatives.

Professional wrestling, often shortened to pro wrestling, is a form of entertainment and performing art, which combines athletics with theatrical performance. It comprises exhibitions presented as legitimate matches, held by companies called promotions, in a style and structure mimicking competitive combat sports. The progress and outcome of matches are planned in advance, typically between consenting performers with established character roles. These matches are based on classical and "catch" wrestling, with modern additions of striking attacks, acrobatics, feats of strength, fast-moving athleticism and occasionally, improvised weaponry. Professional wrestling is not to be confused with the contact sports of amateur wrestling.

Professional wrestling also liberally incorporates melodrama. Much like some of the real prizefighters they imitate, the characters in professional wrestling have large egos, flamboyant personalities (often attached to a gimmick), and turbulent interpersonal relationships. These personas are usually scripted much like the matches. Performances mainly take place in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing. In televised wrestling shows, many additional "backstage" scenes are also recorded to supplement the drama in the ring.

Professional wrestling in the United States and the United Kingdom began in the 19th century and early 20th century as a genuine competitive sport based on Greco-Roman wrestling and later the more popular catch wrestling. Beginning in the early 1920s, wrestlers began choreographing some of their matches to make the matches less physically taxing, shorter in duration, and more entertaining. This allowed the wrestlers to perform more frequently and attract larger audiences. Authentic matches were still held into the 1930s but far less frequently. This business model was very successful and was imitated in other countries, with particular success in Mexico and Japan. Historically, professional wrestlers tended to have a strong background in amateur wrestling or catch wrestling, but this gradually faded over the years and promoters began attracting athletes from other sports. Pro wrestlers do not need an amateur background to succeed, but some consider it beneficial.

Caín Ramirez Velasquez (born July 28, 1982) is an American professional wrestlerprofessional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist, currently appearing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). He is widely known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he competed in the heavyweight division and became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts. That same year, Velasquez embarked on a professional wrestling career, firstly working for the Mexican Lucha Libre promotion AAA before moving to the American WWE promotion. In April 2020, he was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges after allegedly shooting at a man who was alleged to have molested one of Velasquez's young relatives.

Caín Ramirez Velasquez (born July 28, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist, currently appearing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). He is widely known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he competed in the heavyweight division and became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts. That same year, Velasquez embarked on a professional wrestling career, firstly working for the Mexican Lucha Libre promotion AAA before moving to the American WWE promotion. In April 2020, he was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges after allegedly shooting at a man who was alleged to have molested one of Velasquez's young relatives.

Caín Ramirez Velasquez[4] (born July 28, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist,[5] currently appearing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). He is widely known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he competed in the heavyweight division and became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.[6] In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts. That same year, Velasquez embarked on a professional wrestling career, firstly working for the Mexican Lucha Libre promotion AAA before moving to the American WWE promotion. In April 2020, he was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges after allegedly shooting at a man who was alleged to have molested one of Velasquez's young relatives.[8]

Early life and education

Caín Velasquez was born in Salinas, California to Efraín and Isabel Velasquez. Efraín had moved to the U.S. from Sonora, Mexico as an illegal immigrant, where he met American-born Isabel. They started a relationship and later married, which allowed Efraín to attain U.S. citizenship. The Velasquez family had three children: Efraín Jr., Adela and Caín.Velasquez was raised in Yuma, Arizona. He graduated from Kofa High School where, in four years of wrestling, he compiled a record of 110–10 and won the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Velasquez also played football for three years. As a senior, he served as captain of both his wrestling and football teams. As a football player, he played linebacker. After high school, he attended Iowa Central Community College, wrestling for one season (2001–02) and winning the NJCAA National Championship in the heavyweight (285 lb limit) division. Afterwards, Velasquez transferred to Arizona State University. He wrestled for the Sun Devils for three seasons and compiled a record of 86–17, placing 5th in the country in 2005, and 4th in 2006. While at ASU, Velasquez wrestled alongside future UFC fighters Ryan Bader and C.B. Dollaway.[6] He graduated from ASU in 2006, earning a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Velasquez began his mixed martial arts career right after college, joining American Kickboxing Academy. Velasquez is a brown belt in Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu under Dave Camarillo, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leandro Viera, and an NCAA Division I Wrestler. Velasquez made his MMA debut on October 7, 2006, against Jesse Fujarczyk at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello, he won by TKO in the first round. Velasquez faced then-undefeated Jeremiah Constant at BodogFight: St. Petersburg, winning via TKO in the first round. Velasquez made his UFC debut against Brad Morris at UFC 83 and won by TKO in the first round.In his next fight, Velasquez defeated Jake O'Brien at UFC Fight Night 14 via TKO in round one. Velasquez then faced Denis Stojnić at UFC Fight Night 17. Velasquez won by TKO in the second round and was awarded 'Knockout of the Night honors for his performance. Velasquez's next fight was at UFC 99 against former kickboxer and heavyweight contender Cheick Kongo. Velasquez was once again dominant, landing 251 strikes and winning the bout by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–27). His next opponent was expected to be Shane Carwin with the winner likely challenging for the UFC Heavyweight Championship held by Brock Lesnar. However, that bout was scrapped and Velasquez was instead told he would be fighting UFC newcomer Ben Rothwell at UFC 104. He defeated Rothwell by second-round TKO. Velasquez faced former Pride Heavyweight Champion and former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira on February 20, 2010, at UFC 110. Going into the fight, some commentators predicted that Nogueira would take the victory due to a supposed lack of striking power for Velasquez. Velasquez defeated Nogueira via first-round KO, earning Knockout of the Night honors.

Caín Ramirez Velasquez[4] (born July 28, 1982) is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist,[5] currently appearing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). He is widely known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he competed in the heavyweight division and became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.[6] In 2019, Velasquez retired from mixed martial arts. That same year, Velasquez embarked on a professional wrestling career, firstly working for the Mexican Lucha Libre promotion AAA before moving to the American WWE promotion. In April 2020, he was released from his WWE contract due to budget cuts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] In March 2022, he was charged with attempted murder and additional gun assault charges after allegedly shooting at a man who was alleged to have molested one of Velasquez's young relatives.[8]