Cain Velasquez Thanks Supporters After Prison Release

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from prison, expressing gratitude to supporters who stood by him during his legal battle and incarceration. Velasquez, 43, was released on parole in February after serving nearly 11 months at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California.

In a video posted to Instagram, Velasquez thanked fans and supporters for their encouragement during one of the most difficult periods of his life. “Your words of inspiration, of encouragement constantly just lifted me up, myself and my family,” Velasquez said.

He explained that he’s slowly adjusting to life outside prison and focusing on reconnecting with his family. “I’ve had some time to get back into things, get used to doing the normal things, being home with the family and being there for my kids.”

Velasquez added that he didn’t want to rush back into the public spotlight while adjusting to his new routine.

In February 2025, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for the attempted murder of Harry Goularte, who is accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son at a daycare facility. The incident stemmed from a high-speed chase and shooting in 2022, where Velasquez fired multiple shots at a vehicle carrying Goularte. One of the bullets struck Goularte’s stepfather.

Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days already served, which significantly reduced the remaining time on his sentence and made him eligible for parole. Meanwhile, the criminal case against Goularte is still ongoing and includes a civil lawsuit filed by Velasquez.