Cain Velasquez to be released from prison today?????
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez could potentially be released from prison on February 15, 2026, marking a significant development in a legal saga that has drawn national attention and stirred debate within the mixed martial arts community.
Velasquez, 43, had been serving a five-year sentence stemming from a February 2022 shooting incident in Santa Clara County. Prosecutors said the former fighter pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte Jr., a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son and fired multiple shots during an 11-mile high-speed chase. Goularte was not struck, but his stepfather was injured by gunfire.
After pleading no contest to attempted murder and related charges, Velasquez was sentenced in March 2025. He received credit for time served in jail and under house arrest, making him eligible for parole earlier than originally projected.
Reports confirmed that Velasquez’s parole eligibility date had been moved up to February 2026 due in part to time served and participation in rehabilitative programs while incarcerated. His release on February 15 comes slightly ahead of earlier estimates that suggested a March 2026 eligibility window.
According to the latest post on Velasquez’s Instagram page, the former champion may be released this weekend.
“After my release on February 15th, I’m exploring the idea of hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area,” Velasquez posted on his Instagram account. “Breathwork has been a powerful tool for me – physically, mentally, and spiritually – and I’d like to share it with others in a focused, intentional setting.”
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Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion known for his dominant title reigns in the early 2010s, retired from mixed martial arts competition in 2019. His legal case generated strong reactions across the combat sports world, with supporters citing the emotional circumstances surrounding the allegations against Goularte, while critics emphasized the dangers of vigilante justice.
Following his release, Velasquez is expected to remain under supervised parole. In recent social media posts, he indicated plans to focus on personal growth and community engagement, including the possibility of hosting wellness and breathwork seminars in the San Jose area.
Goularte’s criminal case related to the alleged abuse remains pending, and civil litigation connected to the incident is ongoing.
Velasquez’s return to civilian life closes a turbulent chapter for one of MMA’s most recognizable champions and leaves lingering questions about justice, accountability, and the emotional toll of crimes involving children.
