Summary
Velasquez at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/brwlrz
One of the most feared MMA fighters in history, Cain Velazquez He is a free man again. The former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), who was imprisoned and sentenced to five years after being convicted for his involvement in a shooting in 2022 in California (USA), obtained parole and was released this Sunday (15). The information was released by Josh thomson, a friend of the veteran and former MMA fighter, and by the newspaper 'San Jose Mercury-News'.
The story of how Velasquez ended up in prison is a serious one. The former UFC champion was charged with attempted murder, assault, and illegal possession of a firearm after a high-speed chase and shooting at a car carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of sexually abusing his son at a daycare, but ended up hitting a member of Goularte's family, causing non-fatal injuries. At trial, the former fighter pleaded guilty and did not contest the charges.
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With the sentence handed down, MMA fans and professionals rallied around Velasquez and launched the #FreeCain campaign, believing he was unjustly imprisoned and arguing that he did what any father would do for his son: taking justice into his own hands. Dana White even appealed to US authorities to pardon the former UFC champion.
It is true that Cain could have filed an appeal for parole in March, but it ended up being granted earlier. It is worth noting that the former boxer had already served a long period in jail (eight months) before being released on bail and placed under house arrest, monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet.
After returning to prison in March 2025, Velasquez, ten months later, said goodbye to the institution. In fact, the end of his incarceration period was only possible because the former boxer had already served part of his sentence (1.283 days), due to his good behavior, cooperation with the case, and participation in rehabilitation programs.
Next step
Despite gaining his freedom this Sunday, Velasquez still has obligations to fulfill with the Justice system. The MMA legend will have to appear in court on March 18 for a restitution hearing that was previously postponed. In that hearing, it is likely that the former UFC champion will have to compensate Goularte's family for putting their lives at risk.
Velasquez's fighters in MMA
Cain VelazquezThe 43-year-old made his mark in MMA as the UFC heavyweight champion. So much so that the American is still remembered today for his period of dominance in the category and is considered by many to be the best fighter in its history. The professional began his career in the sport in 2006 and fought his last fight in 2019.
In this sport, Velasquez built a record of 14 wins, 12 by knockout, and three losses. His main victories were against... Antonio Pezão (twice), Brock Lesnar, junior gypsy (twice), Rodrigo Minotauro and Travis Browne.
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