Before Conor McGregor brought in massive pay-per-view numbers and skyrocketed fighter salaries in the UFC, there was another heavyweight drawing in serious money: Cain Velasquez. Known for his relentless cardio and brutal ground-and-pound, Cain wasn’t just another fighter — he was a game-changer in the heavyweight division. From beating legends like Brock Lesnar to earning a spot in WWE, Cain built a legacy that mixed fame, fortune, and unfortunately, some legal firestorms.
Now 42 years old (as of 2025), Cain Velasquez has an estimated net worth of around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. While that might seem modest compared to today’s UFC mega-earners, it’s still a testament to how successful his run was, both inside and outside the cage.
Let’s take a closer look at how Cain made his money, what his biggest UFC paydays were, and where things stand today.
The Rise of ‘Cardio Cain’
Cain Velasquez started his MMA journey in 2006 with Strikeforce but quickly found his way into the UFC, debuting at UFC 83 in 2008. From the jump, it was clear this guy wasn’t your typical heavyweight. He had the power, yes, but more importantly, he had stamina. That kind of cardio was rare in the big man division, and it earned him the nickname “Cardio Cain.”
Cain kicked off his UFC career with a dominant undefeated streak, quickly climbing the ranks. His big moment came in 2010 at UFC 121, when he demolished Brock Lesnar to become the UFC heavyweight champion. That victory launched Cain into MMA superstardom. It also opened the door to bigger paydays and major sponsorships.
UFC Career Earnings: More Than Just the Fights
Cain’s UFC career was full of ups and downs, but financially, he fared pretty well. His disclosed career earnings sit at roughly $2.16 million, not including bonuses, sponsorship deals, or potential pay-per-view points (which often remain private).
Here’s a breakdown of some of Cain’s notable UFC paydays:
- UFC 104 (vs. Ben Rothwell) – $70,000 to show + $35,000 win bonus
- UFC 146 (vs. Antonio Silva) – $200,000 to show + $100,000 win bonus
- UFC 155 (vs. Junior dos Santos) – $200,000 to show + $100,000 win bonus
- UFC on ESPN 1 (vs. Francis Ngannou) – $450,000 flat purse (no win bonus)
That last one, the Ngannou fight in 2019, was Cain’s final UFC appearance. He was knocked out in just 26 seconds, but he still walked away with his biggest disclosed paycheck — a cool $450K.
Sponsorships and Endorsements: The Bonus Money
Beyond the cage, Cain Velasquez had a solid lineup of sponsors backing him during his prime. We’re talking about brands like:
- LUGZ
- Wild Wings
- MetroPCS
- Milwaukee Tool
- MicroTech
- Oak Grove Tech
- BSN Supplements
- Affliction Clothing
Cain was never shy about thanking his sponsors either. In fact, he once posted on Twitter (now X) back in 2012, giving a big shout-out to all the companies supporting him.
One particularly notable deal was with GM Titanium, where Cain reportedly signed a contract worth between $100K and $500K. The partnership required him to promote the brand at events and on social media. At the time, Velasquez said, “In the ring, as with everything in my life, I strive to be the best and to do so on my own terms.” That deal reflected his growing marketability, especially during his second title reign.
A WWE Shift and Life After MMA
After his loss to Ngannou, Cain decided it was time to hang up the gloves. But he wasn’t done performing — not by a long shot. Cain transitioned to professional wrestling, debuting in WWE with some fanfare. While his time in the squared circle didn’t pan out long-term, it opened the door to a different kind of entertainment-based career.
There were also rumors he would take a managerial role in the Global Fight League, working alongside his longtime coach Javier Mendez from American Kickboxing Academy. Though this never fully materialized, it showed Cain’s interest in staying connected to MMA, just not as a fighter.
Legal Troubles and a Major Setback
Unfortunately, Cain’s story took a dark turn in 2022 when he was arrested following a high-speed chase and gunfire incident involving a man accused of molesting his son. Cain reportedly pursued and fired at the suspect’s vehicle, which also had other passengers inside — a highly dangerous and emotional situation.
He spent eight months in jail before being released on $1 million bail. With an ankle monitor and under house arrest, Cain awaited trial while fans and fighters rallied around him.
On March 24, 2025, Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for his actions. With credit for time served and good behavior, he has about 18 months left behind bars.
It’s a heartbreaking chapter in an otherwise heroic sports journey, and while opinions are mixed, many still see Cain as a man who was pushed to the edge for his family.
Could Cain Have Made More?
Absolutely. If Cain hadn’t dealt with injuries, long layoffs, and legal troubles, he might’ve remained a top draw in the UFC or even transitioned fully into entertainment. Fighters like McGregor and Israel Adesanya have made millions more due to longevity and smart business deals.
Cain had the star power, and when healthy, was nearly unbeatable. But the combination of physical breakdowns and later legal battles curtailed what could’ve been a much more lucrative legacy.
A Career That Meant Something
Cain Velasquez isn’t just another former champion. He represented a new kind of heavyweight — one who could move like a middleweight and fight with a relentless pace. His wars with Junior dos Santos, his dominance over Brock Lesnar, and his role in the rise of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) cement his place in MMA history.
As of 2025, with a net worth of $4 million, Cain may not be one of the richest retired fighters, but he remains one of the most respected — especially by true fans of the sport. Whether he returns to the spotlight after his sentence or keeps a low profile, Cain Velasquez’s name will always echo in MMA history.
What do you think? Could Cain have been an even bigger star if things had gone differently? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear them.