How much did Cain Velasquez earn during his fighting career?
From dominating the UFC Heavyweight Championship to stepping into the WWE ring, his career has been full of high-stakes battles and lucrative contracts.
But after stepping away from MMA and facing legal troubles, where does his financial status stand today? Let’s break down his wealth, earnings, and financial journey.
Cain Velasquez Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Cain Ramírez Velásquez |
| Popular Name | Cain Velasquez |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1982 |
| Age | 42 (as of 03/25/2025) |
| Birthplace | Salinas, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American |
| Education | Kofa High School, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Iowa Central Community College |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Michelle Velasquez (m. 2011) |
| Children | 2 (Daughter born 2009, Son born 2018) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Efraín Jr. (Brother), Adela (Sister) |
| Parents | Efraín Velasquez (Father), Isabel Velasquez (Mother) |
| Height | 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in) |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Source of Wealth | MMA, UFC, WWE, Wrestling, Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth Of Cain Velasquez in 2025?
Cain Velasquez has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
Compared to other MMA legends like Brock Lesnar and Francis Ngannou, his fortune may seem modest, but it reflects a career that included both massive earnings and legal setbacks. While his UFC earnings were substantial, his short-lived WWE career and ongoing legal fees have impacted his wealth.
Velasquez’s financial standing is lower than some of the highest-paid fighters but remains solid. His UFC fights, particularly against Junior dos Santos and Brock Lesnar, brought in large pay-per-view bonuses, and his $450,000 per fight salary helped build his wealth.
Related Figures in the Combat Sports Industry:
- Brock Lesnar
- Junior dos Santos
- Francis Ngannou
- Fabricio Werdum
- Daniel Cormier
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Alistair Overeem
- Rey Mysterio
- Henry Cejudo
- Dana White
For those curious about other wealthy athletes, check out the top richest sports stars.
Cain Velasquez Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn from His UFC Career?
Velasquez made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly became a dominant force in the heavyweight division. His major fights included showdowns with Brock Lesnar, Junior dos Santos, and Antonio Silva, with his biggest UFC payday reaching $450,000 per fight.
He won the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice, earning pay-per-view bonuses and fight night bonuses such as “Knockout of the Night”. His biggest earnings came from:
- UFC 121 (vs. Brock Lesnar): $450,000 fight purse + PPV bonus
- UFC 155 (vs. Junior dos Santos 2): $400,000 + PPV bonus
- UFC 200 (vs. Travis Browne): $300,000
- UFC 160 (vs. Antonio Silva): $300,000
What Was His Salary and Earnings in WWE and Lucha Libre AAA?
After retiring from MMA in 2019, Velasquez transitioned to professional wrestling, signing with WWE. His contract was estimated to be in the high six-figure range, but he only competed in two matches before being released in 2020.
- Debut match vs. Brock Lesnar at WWE Crown Jewel 2019
- Released in April 2020 due to budget cuts
Before WWE, he also wrestled for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where he made a highly praised debut in 2019. His Lucha Libre earnings are undisclosed, but wrestling provided another revenue stream for a brief period.
How Did He Build His Wealth?
Velasquez’s wealth came from multiple sources, including:
- MMA Fight Purses & Bonuses (UFC earnings exceeded millions)
- Professional Wrestling Contracts (WWE and AAA)
- Pay-Per-View Revenue (UFC PPV bonuses for high-profile fights)
- Sponsorships & Endorsements (Limited but included MMA gear brands)
Did He Earn from Pay-Per-View and Sponsorships?
While Velasquez wasn’t as big of a PPV draw as Brock Lesnar, he earned significant bonuses from PPV events. The exact figures remain undisclosed, but his fights with Lesnar and dos Santos generated high PPV numbers.
Sponsorships were another income stream, though not as lucrative as other UFC stars like Conor McGregor. Velasquez had deals with MMA apparel brands and sports companies, contributing to his overall earnings.
What Were His Major Financial Decisions and Investments?
Velasquez has invested in real estate, including listing a $1.7 million home in Gilroy, California in 2014. Other investments remain unknown, but given his relatively modest net worth, it’s likely he focused on sustaining his wealth rather than expanding it.
How Did His Legal Issues Affect His Finances?
In 2022, Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder, which led to substantial legal fees and court costs. These legal troubles have undoubtedly impacted his financial stability, as he has been unable to work in MMA or WWE during the trial period.
What is His Financial Future?
Looking ahead, Velasquez could potentially:
- Return to pro wrestling (AAA or independent circuits)
- Coach MMA fighters at American Kickboxing Academy
- Explore media or podcasting opportunities
- Invest in new business ventures
While his legal situation remains a concern, his name value still holds weight in combat sports. Future earnings will depend on his ability to re-enter the industry.
Conclusion
Cain Velasquez’s financial journey has seen massive UFC earnings, WWE paydays, and financial setbacks. While his net worth sits at $4 million, his future remains uncertain due to legal issues. Want to keep up with the latest on celebrity finances? Check out Pennbook for more in-depth coverage!
