Cain Velasquez releases first statement following prison release: 'It's good to be out'
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from prison on Sunday, Feb. 15 after spending 10 months incarcerated. The 43-year old was released on parole.
In February 2025, Velasquez was sentenced to five years. He was credited with 1,283 days served after he pleaded no contest to numerous charges including attempted murder.
The charges stemmed from a 2022 shooting where Velasquez entered a high-speed chase pursuing Harry Goularte. Velasquez fired a gun at a vehicle carrying Goularte and his family. Goularte ran a daycare that Velasquez’ then four-year old son attended. Goularte had been arrested days prior to the shooting for allegedly molesting the child. Velasquez inadvertently shot Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm.
On Thursday, Velasquez released his first statement since being freed thanking those who have supported him during the ordeal.
"Blessed to be out, thank you to all for the love and support; you all have lifted me up so high. Grateful for all the understanding thus far and I look forward to a road of service," Velasquez wrote on Instagram accompanying a video.
"Hi everyone. Now that it's been a couple of weeks since my release, I've had some time to kind of get back into things, get back into a normal way of life, get used to just doing the normal things. Being home with the family, being there for my kids," Velasquez said in the video.
"I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration, of encouragement constantly lifted me up, myself and my family. So, I just wanted to take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support. You have no idea what your words and your encouragement and your love has meant to me and my family," Velasquez continued.
"Again, just thank you. Thank you. Thank everyone. And it's good to be out."
