As of 2025, Cain Velasquez is 42 years old and has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Known for his grit in the octagon and later his ventures into professional wrestling, Velasquez has carved out a legacy both in the UFC and WWE. From humble beginnings in a migrant family to standing as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Where Did Cain Velasquez Grow Up and What Shaped His Early Life?
Cain was born on June 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, but he was raised in Yuma, Arizona, alongside his brother Efrain Jr. and sister Adela. His father, Efrain, a determined immigrant from Sinaloa, Mexico, faced multiple deportations before finally settling in the U.S. and becoming a citizen. That perseverance laid the foundation for Cain’s fighting spirit. In high school, he excelled in both football and wrestling, becoming a two-time 5A Arizona Wrestling Champion and team captain in both sports.
How Did Cain’s College Career Prepare Him for MMA?
After graduating high school, Velasquez attended Iowa Central Community College, where he immediately made a mark by winning the NJCAA National Championship in the heavyweight division. He later transferred to Arizona State University, competing at a high level with the Sun Devils for three years. His relentless work ethic and physical dominance on the mat made it clear that bigger things were ahead.
When Did Cain Velasquez Start His MMA Career?
Cain joined the American Kickboxing Academy after college and entered professional MMA in October 2006. His debut fight against Esse Fujarczyk ended in a first-round TKO victory. He continued this aggressive streak by defeating Jeremiah Constant in similar fashion. By 2008, he was in the UFC, making his mark with back-to-back first-round TKO wins over Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien. It didn’t take long for fans and analysts to notice his raw power and wrestling foundation.
How Did Cain Velasquez Become UFC Heavyweight Champion?
Velasquez’s early UFC career was nothing short of dominant. He racked up impressive wins over names like Cheick Kongo, Ben Rothwell, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. His performance against Nogueira earned him a title shot against then-champion Brock Lesnar. Despite suffering a rotator cuff tear, Cain delivered a stunning first-round TKO to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. That victory made him the first Mexican-American heavyweight champ in UFC history — a milestone that resonated with fans worldwide.
What Challenges Did Velasquez Face in His MMA Career?
After undergoing shoulder surgery, Velasquez returned in 2011 to defend his title against Junior dos Santos but suffered his first career loss in just over a minute. However, he rebounded, defeating Antonio Silva and later reclaiming the belt from dos Santos in a dominant rematch. His later years, from 2015 to 2019, were riddled with injuries and losses, including defeats to Fabricio Werdum and Francis Ngannou. These setbacks ultimately led him to announce his retirement from MMA in October 2019.
Why Did Cain Velasquez Transition to Professional Wrestling?
Retirement from MMA didn’t mean Cain was stepping away from the spotlight. He signed with Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and debuted at Triplemania XXVII in a trios match, where his team emerged victorious. His move into pro wrestling showcased his athletic versatility and opened up a new chapter in his career. He quickly caught the eye of WWE and made his first appearance on “SmackDown” in October 2019, confronting none other than Brock Lesnar — reigniting their rivalry in a new arena.
What Happened During Velasquez’s Time in WWE?
Cain’s WWE run was brief but high-profile. He challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship just weeks after his debut, but the match lasted only 88 seconds — Lesnar retained the title via submission. Cain’s time in WWE was cut short in April 2020 due to financial cutbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports also indicated that backstage issues and a pre-existing knee injury played a role in his release. Despite the abrupt end, WWE has reportedly left the door open for a potential return in the future.
What Is Known About Cain Velasquez’s Personal Life?
Cain married his longtime girlfriend, Michelle, on May 28, 2011. The couple has two children — their daughter Coral Love, born in 2009, and a son born in 2018. Velasquez is bilingual and proud of his Mexican heritage, famously entering the octagon to the song “Los Mandados,” which mirrors his father’s immigration story. His “Brown Pride” tattoo on his chest stands as a tribute to the struggles and resilience of his family. Early in his fighting days, Cain trained far from home and often slept in his car to save money, showing just how much he sacrificed to pursue his dreams.
What Has Cain Velasquez Earned From Fighting and Real Estate?
Cain’s biggest disclosed MMA payday came from his 2019 fight against Francis Ngannou, where he earned $450,000. In 2014, he listed his 5,100-square-foot estate in Gilroy, California, for $1.7 million — later dropping the price to $1.6 million. His wealth stems not just from UFC and WWE salaries but also from endorsements and appearances in music videos and television shows, particularly in Spanish-speaking media.
What’s Next for Cain Velasquez?
While he’s mostly stepped away from the ring and the cage, Cain Velasquez remains a prominent figure in combat sports history. Whether he chooses to return to wrestling, focus on media appearances, or mentor the next generation of fighters, his story continues to inspire. With a career full of highs, lows, and constant evolution, Velasquez remains a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
