What Happened to Cain Ramírez Velásquez?
Cain Velasquez is an American former professional mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, known for his dominant fighting style. After retiring from MMA and a brief stint in professional wrestling, his career took a dramatic turn in 2022 when he was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Velasquez was sentenced in March 2025 and subsequently released on parole in February 2026, and is currently focusing on his family and personal well-being.
Quick Answer
Cain Velasquez, the former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, was released on parole on February 15, 2026, after serving part of a five-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other charges stemming from a 2022 shooting incident. He had pleaded no contest to the charges in August 2024. As of September 2026, Velasquez is focusing on adjusting to life outside of prison, spending time with his family, and has been seen coaching, with plans for a 'Holotropic Breathing Seminar' rather than an immediate return to combat sports.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Salinas, California
Cain Ramírez Velásquez was born in Salinas, California, and later raised in Yuma, Arizona.
MMA Professional Debut
Velasquez made his professional mixed martial arts debut at Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello, winning by TKO in the first round.
UFC Debut
He made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut at UFC 83, defeating Brad Morris via TKO in the first round.
Wins First UFC Heavyweight Title
Velasquez became the UFC Heavyweight Champion by defeating Brock Lesnar via TKO at UFC 121.
Loses UFC Heavyweight Title
He lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship to Junior dos Santos via knockout at UFC on Fox 1.
Regains UFC Heavyweight Title
Velasquez reclaimed the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Junior dos Santos in their rematch at UFC 155 via unanimous decision.
Final MMA Fight
Velasquez fought his last MMA bout against Francis Ngannou at UFC on ESPN 1, losing via knockout in the first round.
Retires from MMA, Signs with WWE
He officially retired from mixed martial arts and signed an exclusive contract with WWE, calling it a 'lifelong dream come true.'
Arrested for Attempted Murder
Velasquez was arrested in Santa Clara County, California, after a high-speed chase and shooting incident targeting a man accused of molesting his son, injuring the man's stepfather.
Released on $1 Million Bail
After approximately eight months in custody, Velasquez was granted $1 million bail and released under house arrest.
Pled No Contest to Charges
Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder and other charges, dropping premeditation allegations and avoiding a mandatory life sentence.
Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
He was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised probation for the 2022 shooting incident.
Released from Prison on Parole
Velasquez was granted early parole and released from the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California, after receiving credit for time served and participating in rehabilitative programs.
Breaks Silence Post-Release
Velasquez released a video expressing gratitude for support and stated he is focusing on adjusting to normal life with his family, and plans to host a 'Holotropic Breathing Seminar.'
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cain Ramírez Velásquez, born July 28, 1982, rose to prominence as a dominant force in mixed martial arts, particularly within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight division. He became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, known for his relentless pace, powerful striking, and strong wrestling background. Velasquez made his professional MMA debut in 2006 and quickly ascended through the ranks, capturing his first UFC title in 2010 by defeating Brock Lesnar. His career was marked by significant victories over top contenders and a memorable trilogy with Junior dos Santos.
In 2019, Velasquez announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and transitioned into professional wrestling, signing with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and later with WWE. His WWE tenure was brief, concluding in April 2020 due to budget cuts.
Velasquez's life took a dramatic and unforeseen turn in February 2022 when he was arrested and charged with attempted murder and multiple gun assault charges. The incident involved a high-speed car chase in which Velasquez allegedly fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte Jr., a man accused of molesting Velasquez's four-year-old son. While Goularte was unharmed, his stepfather, Paul Bender, was struck and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Velasquez's arrest sparked a significant 'Free Cain' movement among fans and fellow fighters.
After initially pleading not guilty, Velasquez changed his plea to no contest to all charges on August 16, 2024, avoiding a mandatory life sentence as premeditation allegations were dropped. On March 24, 2025, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised probation. However, due to time served in county jail and under house arrest, along with participation in rehabilitative programs, his parole eligibility date was moved up.
On February 15, 2026, Cain Velasquez was granted early parole and released from custody, reuniting with his family. Since his release, Velasquez has been adjusting to life outside of prison, expressing gratitude for the support he received. As of September 17, 2026, he is reportedly focusing on his family and personal well-being. While he has been seen coaching at American Kickboxing Academy, he has indicated that his current focus is not on a return to combat sports, but rather on personal development, including plans to host a 'Holotropic Breathing Seminar.'
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cain Ramírez Velásquez made different choices?