Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been reunited with his family after spending close to a year in prison for allegedly attempting to shoot a man accused of molesting his young child. The 43-year-old ex-MMA fighter was released on parole from a California prison on Sunday, marking the end of a lengthy legal ordeal that began with a violent incident in 2022.
Legal Case and Sentencing Details
Velasquez was handed a five-year prison sentence in March of last year after pleading no contest to charges of felony attempted murder and assault, along with weapons charges. The case stemmed from an incident where he chased and shot at the vehicle of Harry Goularte, who had been charged with molesting Velasquez's four-year-old son. During the altercation, Velasquez missed Goularte but struck his stepfather with a bullet.
The former champion had been on house arrest since November 2022 leading up to his 2024 trial. He ultimately received credit for 1,283 days in custody, including time spent in county jail and under house arrest, which facilitated his early release on parole. Prosecutors had offered a deal to avoid a potential life sentence after several trial delays, which Velasquez accepted.
Emotional Homecoming Celebration
Upon his release, Velasquez was greeted by a mariachi band and his children in a special welcome-home party. Video footage captured by Mariachi Jalisciense, via MMA reporter Nolan King, shows him being dropped off by a shuttle and warmly embracing his family. The retired fighter is now back home with his wife and two children, marking a significant personal milestone after his incarceration.
According to ESPN, Goularte still faces a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor, and Velasquez has filed a civil case against him. Despite the serious accusations against Goularte, Velasquez has expressed remorse for his own actions, acknowledging their danger to innocent people.
Remorse and Forgiveness
Speaking previously on the Kyle Kingsbury podcast, Velasquez admitted that his actions were "very dangerous to other people." He stated, "Not just people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I'm willing to do everything I have to pay that back." He added that he has forgiven the Goularte family, who ran the daycare where the alleged molestation occurred, saying, "Even with that family and what they've done, I can't have hate like that for them. Because there are things that I have to move on to and give love to my kids and give love to the people around."
MMA Career Highlights
Velasquez's professional MMA career was distinguished by two UFC heavyweight title victories. He first won the championship by defeating Brock Lesnar in 2010, though he lost it in his initial defense to Junior dos Santos. He reclaimed the title in their 2012 rematch but subsequently dropped it to Fabricio Werdum. Velasquez retired in 2019 with a record of 14-3 after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, leaving behind a legacy as one of the sport's top competitors.
