Cain Velasquez, a name synonymous with dominance in the octagon, has made his mark as both a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and a professional wrestler. As of 2025, Cain Velasquez’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, a testament to his success in mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, and beyond. With a career defined by resilience and grit, Velasquez remains an iconic figure in combat sports. Here’s an in-depth look at his journey, including his career highlights, personal life, and recent financial status.
Early Life & Wrestling Beginnings
Cain Ramirez Velasquez was born on June 28, 1982, in Salinas, California, and raised in Yuma, Arizona. Now 42 years old, Velasquez was shaped by the values of hard work and perseverance, which came from his Mexican immigrant roots. His father, Efrain Velasquez, made multiple attempts to cross the border before finally settling in the U.S., where he met and married Isabel, Cain’s mother.
Growing up, Cain displayed athletic promise in both football and wrestling, captaining both teams at Kofa High School. He went on to win the 5A Arizona Wrestling Championship twice before taking his talents to the collegiate level.
At Iowa Central Community College, Cain won the NJCAA National Championship in the heavyweight division. He later transferred to Arizona State University, where he wrestled for three years, laying the foundation for his MMA career.
Dominating the UFC Octagon
Velasquez made his professional MMA debut in 2006, quickly climbing the ranks. He joined the UFC in 2008 and made an instant impact with first-round TKO victories over Brad Morris and Jake O’Brien.
Cain’s relentless fighting style and cardio-heavy pace made him a standout. In 2010, he defeated Brock Lesnar at UFC 121, capturing the UFC Heavyweight Championship with a first-round TKO, despite suffering a torn rotator cuff during the match.
Injuries would haunt his career, but Velasquez always returned with force. After losing his title to Junior dos Santos in 2011, he reclaimed it in their 2012 rematch and defended it successfully, notably defeating Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and dos Santos again.
However, from 2015 to 2019, Cain’s MMA career saw a downturn due to recurring injuries and losses to fighters like Fabricio Werdum and Francis Ngannou. He officially retired from MMA in October 2019, ending a legendary run in the sport.
Transition to Wrestling: WWE & AAA
Cain didn’t stay away from combat sports for long. He signed with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where he debuted at Triplemania XXVII, impressing fans in a six-man tag match.
In October 2019, Velasquez shocked the world again by debuting in WWE, appearing on Fox’s premiere episode of “SmackDown” to confront Brock Lesnar. He later faced Lesnar at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia but lost the match via submission.
Despite a promising crossover, Cain’s WWE stint was short-lived. WWE released him in April 2020, citing financial cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports also suggested backstage issues and pre-existing injuries may have played a role.
Cain Velasquez’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Cain Velasquez’s net worth stands at $4 million. His primary sources of income include:
- UFC fight purses
- WWE and Lucha Libre contracts
- Media appearances
- Endorsements
One of his final UFC fight purses came in 2019, when he earned $450,000 for facing Francis Ngannou. Velasquez was also briefly among the highest-paid heavyweights during his championship reign.
In terms of real estate, Cain and his wife listed their 5,100-square-foot estate in Gilroy, California, for $1.7 million in 2014. The home sat on over two acres and was eventually re-listed for $1.6 million.
Personal Life & Family
Cain is married to Michelle Velasquez, with whom he tied the knot on May 28, 2011. The couple has two children: daughter Coral Love Velasquez, born in 2009, and a son born in 2018. Cain is known for being a devoted father and husband, often sharing his pride in his Mexican-American heritage.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Velasquez has made appearances on networks like Univision and Telemundo, as well as “Lopez Tonight.” He was also featured in Wisin & Yandel’s music video “Te Siento.”
A deeply personal symbol of his heritage is his “Brown Pride” tattoo, honoring his roots and the sacrifices his family made to achieve the American dream.
Legacy and What’s Next?
Cain Velasquez remains one of the most respected heavyweights in MMA history. As the first major Mexican-American UFC Heavyweight Champion, he broke cultural barriers and inspired a new generation of fighters.
Although no longer in the ring, Velasquez has left the door open for potential returns to professional wrestling. His legacy continues to grow, not only through his past titles but through his resilience, authenticity, and connection to fans.
Whether it’s mentoring the next wave of fighters or stepping back into the ring for a special appearance, Cain Velasquez’s story is far from over.
