Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez charged with attempted murder, police confirm

Published: Mar 21, 2023

The former heavyweight was arrested by San Jose police.

Former MMA fighter Cain Velasquez has been arrested and charged with attempted murder during an alleged shooting, San Jose, Calif. police have confirmed.

The incident is reported to have occurred on Monday afternoon in the Californian city, according to a statement put out by the San Jose Police Department.

The statement read:

“Cain Velasquez was the suspect arrested yesterday in connection with this incident. He was booked into Santa Clara County main jail for attempted murder.

“The motive and circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation at this time.”

4/ Cain Velasquez was the suspect arrested yesterday in connection with this incident. He was booked into Santa Clara County main jail for attempted murder.

The motive and circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation at this time. pic.twitter.com/bBuuPQytNx
— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) March 1, 2022

The 39-year-old American, a former heavyweight champion in the UFC, last fought in February 2019 when he was knocked out in the first round of his fight against Francis Ngannou, now the UFC heavyweight champion. Later that year he announced his retirement from MMA.

He then joined the WWE professional wrestling franchise before moving to AAA in Mexico.