UFC Star Cain Velasquez Thanks Supporters After Release From Prison For Attempting To Murder Man He Accused Of Molesting Son

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been released from prison. 

Velasquez was charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and gun charges in 2022. The man he allegedly tried to murder was accused of molesting Velasquez’s son. In 2025, Velasquez pleaded no contest.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, but was given credit for time previously spent in jail and in house arrest. He was released in February 2026 on parole. Velasquez initially remained silent about his time in prison. However, he recently posted a video on social media. 

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“I just want to take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support,” Velasquez said. “You have no idea what your words and your encouragement and your love have meant to my family and me. Just thank you.”

Although Velasquez is a free man, the man accused of molesting his son hasn’t faced trial yet. The man, identified as Harry Goularte, is scheduled for trial in April 2026. 

Velasquez has received support from several UFC members. UFC President Dana White called Velasquez a “model example of an athlete” in a letter to the court. Fellow fighters Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sean Strickland and Jorge Masvidal have supported Velasquez through his trial and parole hearings. 

Velasquez’s last UFC fight was in 2019, when he lost to Francis Ngannou in a knockout. After 2019, he returned to wrestling with the Lucha Libre AAA wrestling league. In 2025, AAA wrestling was bought by WWE. 

In the social media video, Velasquez said he wanted to focus on reuniting with his family. Injuries were an important factor in his leaving the UFC. He is currently 43 years old, which is much older than the average UFC fighter, who is about 29-30. Despite being in good shape, all signs point toward the former heavyweight champion focusing on his personal life.