In a surprising turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been granted a license to be a corner for Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 300 on Saturday in San Diego. The decision was confirmed by California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster to ESPN. The news has caused a wave of controversy and divided opinions among fans and experts alike.
Cain Velasquez, now 40 years old, is currently out on a staggering $1 million bail as he awaits a criminal trial on attempted murder and gun-related charges in Santa Clara, California. This disturbing incident allegedly occurred in March 2022, where Velasquez is accused of chasing down and shooting at a man named Harry Goularte. The motive behind Velasquez’s actions stems from Goularte’s alleged sexual assault of Velasquez’s young son at a day care center.
Velasquez, who had a successful UFC career after wrestling at Arizona State University, pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges in August. He spent eight months in jail last year before being granted bail. The incident has tarnished Velasquez’s reputation and overshadowed his remarkable achievements in the octagon.
During his prime between 2010 and 2013, Velasquez was regarded as one of the most respected athletes in the UFC. He showcased his dominance by winning the UFC’s heavyweight championship in a memorable bout against Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 in October 2010. Velasquez went on to become a two-time champion before retiring from the sport in 2019. Despite his retirement, he remains involved in the MMA community as a coach at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
Usman Nurmagomedov, the younger brother of retired lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is set to defend his Bellator lightweight title against Brent Primus in the main event of Bellator 300. While Usman is considered one of the best fighters outside of the UFC, his decision to have Velasquez as his cornerman has raised eyebrows. Many argue that associating with someone accused of such serious crimes sends the wrong message to fans, tarnishing the integrity of the sport.
The controversy surrounding Velasquez’s license as a corner for Usman Nurmagomedov has created a sharp division within the MMA community. Some believe in the principles of “innocent until proven guilty” and argue that Velasquez should be allowed to continue his coaching career despite the pending charges. Others, however, find it inappropriate and reprehensible to associate with an individual facing such grave accusations.
This high-profile case highlights the ongoing debate within combat sports regarding the responsibilities of athletes and their character. It forces fans, fighters, and promotions to question how they view the individuals involved. The choice made by Usman Nurmagomedov to have Velasquez as his cornerman amplifies this discussion, raising concerns about the message being sent to younger fighters and the precedent being set.
The decision to grant Cain Velasquez a license as a corner for Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has ignited controversy, stirring emotions within the MMA community. Velasquez’s troubled past and the serious charges he faces have undoubtedly tarnished his reputation. The impact of this decision on the sport remains uncertain, but it has undeniably divided opinions and prompted a necessary examination of moral and ethical boundaries within combat sports.
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