Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez has entered a plea of no contest to attempted murder after shooting at a man in 2022, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s relative, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office in Northern California. Velasquez, 42, made the plea in a San Jose courtroom to charges including felony assault and gun-related offenses, as part of a negotiated agreement with the prosecutor’s office. Despite his retirement from the UFC in 2019, Velasquez could still face prison time, as confirmed by the District Attorney’s office. A date for sentencing has not been set yet.

The individual accused of molesting Velasquez’s 4-year-old relative is the adult son of the woman who operated the daycare that the child attended. During a high-speed pursuit in February 2022, Velasquez allegedly fired a handgun multiple times at a truck carrying the alleged molester and two others, resulting in injuries to the accused molester’s stepfather instead. The incident occurred near an elementary school, jeopardizing the safety of young children and parents in the area.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to carry out their duties, stating, “We have excellent law enforcement in this county. Let them do their jobs.” Velasquez and his lawyer, Renee Hessling, opted not to provide comments following the court hearing, as per the Bay Area News Group. Velasquez is currently free on bail as the legal proceedings continue.