Cain Velasquez, the Mexican-American fighter who became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and later transitioned into professional wrestling, has built a notable legacy in combat sports. As of 2024, Velasquez holds an estimated net worth of $4 million. His income sources span UFC purses, brief stints in professional wrestling, and various endorsements. Though his athletic career was curtailed by injuries and external circumstances, his story is one of determination, cultural pride, and resilience.
Early Life and Wrestling Foundation
Born on June 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, Cain Ramirez Velasquez is now 41 years old. His upbringing was rooted in humble beginnings. His father, Efrain, immigrated from Sinaloa, Mexico, without documentation, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen after marrying Isabel, an American-born woman. Cain was raised in Yuma, Arizona, alongside his brother Efrain Jr. and sister Adela.
From a young age, Velasquez showed promise in athletics. He captained both the football and wrestling teams during his senior year at Kofa High School. He went on to win the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice. Velasquez’s post-secondary path started at Iowa Central Community College, where he won the NJCAA National Championship in the heavyweight division in 2002. He later transferred to Arizona State University and competed for the Sun Devils for three seasons.
Rise to UFC Stardom
Velasquez transitioned to mixed martial arts after college, training at the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy. He debuted professionally in October 2006, quickly making a name for himself with two back-to-back first-round TKO victories. His UFC debut came in April 2008 at UFC 83, where he defeated Brad Morris with another first-round TKO.
By 2010, Velasquez had defeated several top heavyweights, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, and Ben Rothwell. His performance earned him a shot at UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. Despite suffering a torn rotator cuff during the fight, Velasquez secured a TKO victory in the first round, capturing the title.
However, injuries continued to plague his career. After undergoing surgery, he lost his first title defense to Junior dos Santos in just over a minute. Velasquez rebounded with dominant performances, reclaiming his title from dos Santos in a 2012 rematch. But losses to Fabricio Werdum and Francis Ngannou, along with recurring health issues, signaled the beginning of the end of his MMA run. He announced his retirement from the sport in October 2019.
Earnings and Financial Highlights
Velasquez’s earnings peaked during his UFC career. His disclosed payout for his February 2019 fight against Francis Ngannou was $450,000. Over the years, he accumulated significant income from fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Following his MMA retirement, Velasquez ventured into pro wrestling. He signed a multi-match deal with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and debuted in a six-man tag team victory at Triplemania XXVII. In October 2019, he made a high-profile WWE debut by confronting Brock Lesnar on the premiere of SmackDown’s 20th season.
He later faced Lesnar at WWE Crown Jewel on October 31, 2019, but the match ended swiftly with Lesnar forcing a tap-out via the Kimura Lock. Velasquez only wrestled twice before WWE released him in April 2020 amid COVID-related budget cuts. There were also reports of contract issues, including pre-existing knee injuries and backstage missteps.
Personal Life and Cultural Identity
Cain Velasquez married his longtime girlfriend Michelle on May 28, 2011. The couple has two children: a daughter, Coral Love Velasquez, born in 2009, and a son born in 2018. Velasquez is fluent in both English and Spanish and has embraced his heritage publicly. He has made appearances on Spanish-language TV networks like Telemundo and Univision and featured in Wisin & Yandel’s music video for “Te Siento.”
His chest tattoo reading “Brown Pride” is a symbol of his cultural identity and tribute to his family’s immigrant journey. The song he walks out to, “Los Mandados,” reflects the hardship his father faced trying to enter the United States—deported six times before successfully settling and starting a family.
In the early stages of his MMA career, Velasquez trained far from home and worked as a bouncer to afford expenses, often sleeping in his car to avoid the long commute to Yuma. Despite his humble beginnings and financial struggles, he rose to the pinnacle of MMA.
Real Estate and Assets
In 2014, Velasquez and his wife listed their Gilroy, California, home for $1.7 million. The 5,100-square-foot property, built in 1999, is situated on over two acres. A month later, they reduced the asking price to $1.6 million. The home reflected his earnings peak and family-centered lifestyle.
Legacy and Outlook
Cain Velasquez remains a significant figure in combat sports history as the first major Mexican-American UFC Heavyweight Champion. His influence transcends the octagon, especially for young Latino athletes aspiring to succeed in professional sports. Despite an MMA career cut short by injuries and a brief, turbulent run in pro wrestling, Velasquez left a lasting impact through his grit and authenticity.
Today, at 41, Cain Velasquez leads a more private life centered on his family and heritage, while continuing to inspire fans worldwide.
