Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is speaking publicly for the first time since walking free from prison — and his message is filled with gratitude, reflection, and a promise to move forward.
Velasquez, one of the most respected fighters in mixed martial arts history, was released after serving time connected to a dramatic 2022 vigilante shooting incident that stunned the sports world and ignited a national debate about how far a father should go to protect his child.
Posting a video to Instagram this week, the 43-year-old MMA legend thanked supporters who stood by him through the legal battle and prison sentence.
“Blessed to be out, thank you to all for the love and support; you all have lifted me up so high,” Velasquez wrote in the post, according to the New York Post. “Grateful for all the understanding thus far, and I look forward to a road of service.”
In the video itself, Velasquez appeared calm and reflective as he discussed adjusting to life outside prison.
“I’ll keep doing the work to get back to everyone,” Velasquez said. “And just for myself now, just slowly get back out there without — I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with the pace of life that I was getting used to, to now all of the sudden a new way of life.”
Cain Velasquez speaks out for the first time since his release.pic.twitter.com/x7dkCcPVc1
— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) March 12, 2026
The former UFC champion explained that he is easing back into normal routines after the ordeal.
“For myself, I just had to kind of get used to it,” he added. “And I’ve been doing that. So again, just thank you, thank everyone. And it’s good to be out.”
Velasquez’s prison sentence stemmed from a shocking 2022 incident that unfolded after disturbing accusations involving his young son.
Authorities said Velasquez pursued Harry Goularte — a daycare worker accused of molesting the fighter’s four-year-old child — during an 11-mile high-speed chase through California. During the pursuit, Velasquez fired multiple rounds at a vehicle carrying Goularte.
The situation turned tragic when one of the bullets struck Goularte’s stepfather, who was driving the car at the time. Goularte’s mother was also inside the vehicle.
Velasquez was arrested and later charged with attempted murder and other offenses tied to the shooting.
In 2025, he accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to five years in prison. During court proceedings, Velasquez apologized for his actions.
NEW: Former UFC fighter Cain Velásquez shares a message to his fans after being released from prison for firing at a man who allegedly mol*sted his 4-year-old son at daycare.
In 2022, Velásquez got in a high-speed, 11-mile chase with accused pedo Harry Goularte Jr.
Velásquez… pic.twitter.com/nKjLlfTXOp
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 13, 2026
Despite the sentence length, the former champion served less than a year behind bars. According to the New York Post, Velasquez received credit for more than 1,000 days already served, including extensive time spent in jail and under strict house arrest while awaiting his 2024 trial.
The case sparked widespread discussion across the country, with many supporters sympathizing with Velasquez’s motivations as a father, while critics pointed to the dangers of vigilante justice.
Before the legal turmoil, Velasquez had already cemented his place in UFC history. Known for relentless pressure and elite wrestling, he captured the UFC heavyweight championship twice and retired in 2019 with a 14-3 professional record.
His final fight came that same year against Francis Ngannou, who defeated Velasquez by first-round knockout.
Now free and looking ahead, Velasquez appears focused on rebuilding his life — and expressing gratitude to the supporters who stayed with him during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
