UFC legend arrested after ‘trying to shoot man accused of molesting relative’

Velasquez, 39, opened fire on a car occupied by three individuals while aiming to shoot Harry Eugene Goularte, according to The San Jose Mercury News.

However, the bullet allegedly struck Goularte’s stepfather instead.

Goularte was arraigned last Friday on one felony count of ‘a lewd and lascivious act with a child under the age of 14.’

According to the report, Goularte’s accuser is a relative of Velasquez.

The child was reportedly abused by Goularte at his mother’s day care centre where the suspect also lived.

Goularte was granted supervised release, despite objections from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.

Three days later, the alleged incident involving Velasquez took place.

San Jose Police released the fighter’s mugshot earlier this week but disclosed no further details.

‘Cain Velasquez was the suspect arrested yesterday in connection with this incident,’ a tweet from the authorities said.

‘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.’

Velasquez enjoyed a hugely successful MMA career spanning 13 years and is regarded as one of the best heavyweight fighters of all time.

The American is a two-time former UFC heavyweight champion, holding the title in 2010 and 2011 and then again from 2012 to 2015.

Following his retirement from the Octagon, he moved into the world of professional wrestling where he had a brief spell with WWE until he was released in 2020.

MORE : Kamaru Usman makes his prediction for Jorge Masvidal vs Colby Covington at UFC 272

MORE : Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk prepared to ‘take a life’ after joining Ukraine defence forces following Russian invasion

For more stories like this, check our sport page.