UFC legend freed: Former heavyweight king released after prison stint

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been released on parole from a California state prison following an 11-month stint in custody.

The 43-year-old’s release was confirmed on Sunday by his longtime agent, Mike Fonseca.

Sentenced to a five-year term in March 2025, the retired fighter had previously been credited for 1,283 days served.

He had pleaded no contest to charges linked to a dramatic shooting incident that occurred in February 2022.

A vigilante pursuit

The legal saga began when the American Kickboxing Academy product chased a vehicle containing Harry Goularte.

Goularte is a man accused of molesting the former champion’s four-year-old son.

During a high-speed 11-mile pursuit, shots were fired at the vehicle, injuring Goularte’s father.

Prior to his final sentencing, the heavyweight icon had been granted bail of $1m and placed under house arrest in November 2022.

MMA community support

Throughout the high-profile case, the mixed martial arts community rallied around the two-time titleholder.

UFC CEO Dana White submitted a letter to the court describing him as a "model example" of how a professional athlete should conduct themselves.

Inside the octagon, the Californian is best remembered for dethroning Brock Lesnar to capture undisputed gold in October 2010.

While the fighter’s criminal case moves to the parole phase, Goularte continues to face a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor.

A civil case filed by the Velasquez family against Goularte is also ongoing.