Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is set to make a remarkable return this weekend at Bellator 300. He will be cornering his teammate, Usman Nurmagomedov.
Velasquez spent months in prison on allegations that included attempted murder. He has recently been out on bail for about a year now.
As part of his bail conditions, he is required to wear a GPS tracking device. He must also adhere to a protective order, maintain a distance of 300 yards from the involved parties and face travel restrictions.
Against all odds, Cain Velasquez has obtained court orders allowing him to participate in wrestling matches. He has also acquired a court order granting him the privilege to stand in Usman Nurmagomedov’s corner at Bellator 300.
California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster confirmed Velasquez’s participation, stating: “He is scheduled to corner. We are in possession of a court order permitting him to do so.”
Bellator 300 will signify Velasquez’s first appearance as a cornerman since his arrest in March of 2022. The arrest was in connection to an alleged altercation involving a man who was facing charges of molesting a close relative of Velasquez. Velasquez missed his target, and the bullet struck the defendant’s stepfather.
Facing a daunting array of charges, including attempted murder, three counts of assault with a firearm, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle or aircraft, willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.
In the event of a guilty verdict for attempted murder, he could face a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment plus extra time for the other charges.
In the realm of MMA, Cain Velasquez’s legacy is etched in stone. With a record of 14 wins and 3 losses, his last match dates back to February 2019 when he succumbed to a knockout from Francis Ngannou.
Throughout his career, Velasquez defended his UFC heavyweight title twice. He also secured notable victories over the likes of Junior dos Santos (twice), Fabricio Werdum, and Brock Lesnar.