Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will be appearing as a licensed corner for Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 300 in San Diego. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy due to Velasquez’s ongoing legal issues. Currently out on $1 million bail and awaiting a criminal trial on attempted murder and gun-related charges, Velasquez’s presence at the event has drawn both criticism and support.
Velasquez’s legal troubles stem from an incident in March 2022, where he allegedly chased down and shot at a man named Harry Goularte. The accused had reportedly sexually assaulted Velasquez’s young son at a day care center. As a result, Velasquez pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in August and spent eight months in jail before being granted bail. The case has become highly contentious, with supporters arguing that Velasquez was defending his child, while opponents claim that taking the law into one’s own hands is never justified.
Cain Velasquez’s career in mixed martial arts had been illustrious prior to his legal troubles. From 2010 to 2013, Velasquez was considered one of the most respected athletes in the UFC. He won the heavyweight championship in a dominant performance against Brock Lesnar and became a two-time champion. However, his retirement in 2019 marked the end of an era for UFC fans. Despite stepping away from active competition, Velasquez continues to be involved in the sport as a coach at the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
On the other side of the Bellator 300 event stands Usman Nurmagomedov, the younger brother of retired lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Usman is widely regarded as one of the best fighters outside of the UFC. With an undefeated professional record of 17-0, he carries the weight of expectations as he defends his lightweight title against Brent Primus. While Usman’s skills and accomplishments cannot be denied, his connection to Velasquez’s questionable presence adds another layer of complexity to the event.
The news of Cain Velasquez’s licensed corner role at Bellator 300 has ignited a fierce debate within the MMA community. Some argue that personal matters should not affect a person’s professional involvement, with supporters emphasizing Velasquez’s right to defend his family. Others, however, question the ethics of allowing someone facing serious criminal charges to have a visible role in a public event. The California State Athletic Commission’s decision to grant Velasquez a license further fuels the controversy, leading to questions about the organization’s standards and priorities.
The presence of Cain Velasquez as a licensed corner at Bellator 300 raises profound concerns and stirs conflicting opinions. With a troubled legal history and ongoing criminal proceedings, Velasquez’s involvement in a high-profile MMA event undoubtedly challenges the reputation and credibility of the sport. As the event unfolds, MMA fans and critics alike will closely watch the outcome and consequences of this controversial decision.
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