Cain Velasquez Released on Parole
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from California state prison on parole after serving 11 months of a five-year sentence. Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges related to a 2022 shooting and reunited with family this weekend. His agent confirmed the release, closing a high-profile chapter for one of MMA's most influential former champions.
- The 2022 incident involved Velasquez engaging in an 11-mile, high-speed car chase after Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez's four-year-old son at a daycare. Velasquez rammed the vehicle carrying Goularte and fired a .40-caliber handgun multiple times, striking Goularte's stepfather, who was driving, but not injuring Goularte himself. - Velasquez was initially charged with several felonies, including attempted murder, which could have resulted in a life sentence. He pleaded no contest to attempted murder and other assault and gun charges in August 2024, which led to a five-year prison sentence. - The man Velasquez targeted, Harry Goularte, was out on supervised release at the time of the shooting after being arrested for lewd acts with a minor. The criminal case against Goularte, who has pleaded not guilty, is still pending. - Velasquez was initially denied bail and spent about eight months incarcerated before being released on a $1 million bond and placed under house arrest in November 2022. His five-year sentence included credit for time served. - His early parole eligibility, originally set for March 2026, was moved up to February 2026 due to his participation in rehabilitation and education programs while incarcerated. Velasquez will now serve four years of supervised parole. - Following his release, Velasquez has expressed interest in hosting a holotropic breathing seminar, a practice focused on emotional release and stress management.
