Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cain Velasquez’s Net Worth?
Cain Velasquez, the celebrated Mexican-American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist, boasts a net worth of approximately $4 million. This valuation reflects his successful career in both MMA and professional wrestling, encompassing fight earnings, endorsements, and other ventures.
Cain Velasquez: Early Life and Wrestling Foundation
Cain Ramirez Velasquez was born on June 28, 1982, in Salinas, California. His father, Efrain, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, faced significant challenges immigrating to the U.S. before eventually gaining citizenship. Cain grew up in Yuma, Arizona, with his siblings Efrain, Jr., and Adela. He attended local schools and excelled in wrestling throughout high school, securing two 5A Arizona Wrestling Championships. His prowess extended to football, where he played linebacker and captained both the wrestling and football teams during his senior year. Velasquez’s early life was rooted in a community setting where athletics played a central role in his development.
In 2001, Velasquez continued his wrestling journey at Iowa Central Community College, capturing the heavyweight division title at the NJCAA National Championship in 2002. Transferring to Arizona State University, he wrestled for the Sun Devils for three years, honing the skills that would later define his MMA career. This solid foundation in amateur wrestling provided Velasquez with a distinct advantage as he transitioned to professional fighting.
MMA Career and Championship Titles
Following college, Cain Velasquez joined the American Kickboxing Academy, marking the official start of his MMA journey. He made his professional debut in October 2006, defeating Jesse Fujarczyk via TKO in the first round. He continued to build his record with another first-round TKO victory over Jeremiah Constant. Velasquez entered the UFC scene in April 2008 at UFC 83, securing a first-round TKO win against Brad Morris. His momentum continued at UFC Fight Night 14 in July 2008, where he again won by TKO in the first round against Jake O’Brien. These early victories in the UFC highlighted Velasquez’s striking power and grappling skills.
Velasquez proceeded to dominate his opponents, achieving first-round victories over Denis Stojnic, Cheick Kongo, Ben Rothwell, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The victory against Nogueira earned Velasquez a title shot against then-reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. Despite tearing his rotator cuff during the fight, Velasquez defeated Lesnar via TKO in the first round to win his first UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2010. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and cemented his status as a top heavyweight fighter. Cain Velasquez’s net worth began to reflect the earnings and recognition from these high-profile fights.
In late 2011, Velasquez returned to the octagon to defend his title against Junior dos Santos, experiencing his first professional loss via a first-round knockout. Undeterred, Velasquez rebounded with a first-round victory over Antonio Silva and subsequently reclaimed his title in a rematch against dos Santos. These fights included significant pay-per-view bonuses and increased his overall earnings. His championship bouts typically earned him in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range before factoring in bonuses and sponsorships.
Between 2015 and 2019, Velasquez faced a series of setbacks, including losses to Fabricio Werdum and Francis Ngannou. In his fight against Francis Ngannou on February 17, 2019, Velasquez earned a disclosed purse of $450,000. Cain Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA in October 2019, concluding a career marked by periods of dominance and championship glory. His earnings from these later fights, while substantial, were offset by injuries and the eventual decline in performance.
Professional Wrestling Ventures
After retiring from MMA, Cain Velasquez transitioned to professional wrestling, signing a multi-match deal with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide’s Heavyweight division. His first match was a six-man trios action at Triplemania XXVII, where his team emerged victorious. This transition allowed Velasquez to explore new avenues of revenue while capitalizing on his established fanbase. The specific financial details of his Lucha Libre AAA contract were not widely publicized, but these ventures typically offer a mix of appearance fees and performance-based bonuses.
Velasquez debuted in WWE on October 4, 2019, confronting and attacking Brock Lesnar on “SmackDown.” He was slated to face Lesnar for the WWE Championship on October 31, 2019, but Lesnar retained his title, defeating Velasquez in 88 seconds via submission. In April 2020, WWE released Velasquez from his contract after just six months and two matches. While the exact financial terms of his WWE contract were not fully disclosed, it was speculated to be a lucrative deal, potentially worth millions of dollars annually. However, his short tenure with WWE limited his overall earnings from the company. The early termination of his contract impacted the potential growth of Cain Velasquez’s net worth through professional wrestling.
Legal Issues and Their Financial Impact
In February 2022, Velasquez was involved in a high-profile legal case following allegations that his 4-year-old son had been molested. He pursued the alleged perpetrator, Harry Goularte, engaging in an 11-mile car chase and firing multiple rounds from a handgun. This incident led to his arrest and subsequent charges, including felony attempted murder. Velasquez spent over 250 days in custody before being released on $1 million bail in November 2022.
On March 25, 2025, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison after entering a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. His legal troubles resulted in significant financial strain, including legal fees, bail costs, and potential civil liabilities. These legal issues have undoubtedly impacted Cain Velasquez’s net worth, diverting resources away from investments and earnings.
Real Estate and Assets
In 2014, Velasquez and his wife listed their 5,100-square-foot estate in Gilroy, California, for $1.7 million, later reducing the price to $1.6 million. The home, built in 1999, is situated on over two acres. This real estate investment represents a significant portion of his assets, although market fluctuations and property taxes would influence its overall value. Information on whether or not the property sold and at what price is not available. Details regarding additional real estate holdings are not publicly available.
Information regarding other personal assets, such as private planes or luxury cars, is not publicly available. The bulk of Cain Velasquez’s net worth is tied to his career earnings and real estate investments, supplemented by endorsement deals and sponsorships throughout his MMA career.
Personal Life and Endorsements
Cain Velasquez married his girlfriend Michelle on May 28, 2011. They have two children: a daughter, Coral Love Velasquez, born on May 6, 2009, and a son born in 2018. Velasquez is fluent in both English and Spanish and has made guest appearances on Spanish-language television networks like Telemundo and Univision. He also appeared in the music video “Te Siento” for Wisin & Yandel, showcasing his broader appeal beyond the sports arena. These appearances likely contributed modest amounts to his overall income.
Throughout his MMA career, Velasquez secured various endorsement deals with brands such as Reebok, which was the official outfitter for UFC fighters. While the exact financial terms of these endorsements are not public, such deals can significantly contribute to a fighter’s income, often providing additional revenue streams beyond fight earnings. The combination of career earnings, endorsements, and strategic investments contributes to Cain Velasquez’s net worth. The details surrounding the duration, the value of sponsorships and his other ventures are not publicly available and therefore not factored into the net worth data presented.
