Cain Velasquez Released From Prison
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from California state prison on parole after serving 11 months related to a 2022 shooting case. Velasquez, who was sentenced in March 2025, has reunited with his family and expressed gratitude to supporters, opening questions about a possible MMA return.
- The charges against Velasquez stemmed from a February 2022 incident where he engaged in an 11-mile, high-speed chase in San Jose, California. He was pursuing a truck carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting Velasquez's young son at a daycare. - During the chase, Velasquez fired a .40-caliber handgun multiple times at the vehicle. He did not strike his intended target, but did wound Goularte's stepfather, who was driving the truck. - In August 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to multiple charges, including attempted murder and felony assault. This plea was part of an agreement that removed premeditation from the allegations, sparing him a potential life sentence. - The man Velasquez was targeting, Harry Goularte, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of lewd acts with a minor and is awaiting trial while out on bail. - Velasquez is a two-time former UFC Heavyweight Champion, having first won the title by defeating Brock Lesnar in 2010. His last fight was a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in February 2019, and he announced his retirement from MMA later that year. - Following his release, Velasquez announced plans to host a holotropic breathing seminar, an event focused on emotional release and stress management.
