Cain Velasquez

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.

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.