Cain Velasquez Faces “Exorbitant” Restitution Demands as Legal Saga Drags On

The legal fallout from Cain Velasquez’s 2022 vigilante shooting continues to ripple through the MMA world, as the former UFC heavyweight champion now finds himself embroiled in a heated dispute over restitution payments to the victims. Velasquez, currently serving a five-year sentence for attempted murder and related charges, is at the center of a contentious financial battle that has delayed closure for all parties involved.

Restitution Battle: Seven Figures at Stake in High-Profile Case

During a recent court session, Velasquez’s attorney, Renee Hessling, described the restitution demands from Harry Goularte and his family as “exorbitant” and “unreasonable.” The Goularte family, who were present during the infamous high-speed chase and shooting, are reportedly seeking as much as $1 million for daycare-related expenses alone, a figure the defense adamantly contests. “There is definitely restitution owed by Mr. Velasquez here. However, there are some claims that he owes money for their daycare, and they are asking for $1 million on that end. That is certainly something we are litigating,” Hessling stated in court.

Here’s the full story on the restitution hearing for Cain Velasquez where the victims are reportedly seeking more than $1 million after he was convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison https://t.co/qZA3r6Dgv2

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) April 16, 2025

Judge Elizabeth C. Peterson granted a postponement on the restitution hearing, now rescheduled for June 3, as both sides attempt to narrow the disputed claims. District Attorney Aaron French indicated that the Goularte family is eager to move forward and put this chapter behind them, hoping for a resolution after the next hearing.

MMA Icon’s Future: Prison, Parole, and Ongoing Legal Woes

Velasquez’s legal troubles stem from a February 2022 incident in which he pursued and fired at a vehicle carrying Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son, ultimately injuring Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm. The shooting, which occurred during a high-speed chase, led to Velasquez’s arrest and subsequent plea of no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder. He was sentenced in March 2025, with eligibility for parole as early as March 2026, thanks to credit for time served.

Despite his incarceration, Velasquez has publicly accepted responsibility for his actions, expressing remorse and a willingness to make amends. “From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things was not the way to do it. We cannot put the law in our own hands. … I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to [do] to pay that back,” Velasquez said.

The MMA community continues to rally around Velasquez, with many fighters and fans expressing sympathy for his predicament and frustration at the legal process. Meanwhile, Goularte, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of lewd acts with a minor, awaits his own trial scheduled for June.

As the restitution battle drags on, the case remains a lightning rod for debate on justice, vigilantism, and the limits of parental protection. With millions potentially at stake and emotions still running high, the next chapter in the Velasquez saga will play out in court this summer, leaving the MMA world watching and waiting for resolution.