Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez released from prison after 2022 shooting

"SOLEDAD, Calif. (KGO) -- Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from a prison in Soledad, California, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed to ABC7 Eyewitness News on Sunday. In 2025, he was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder, which included three years time served while awaiting sentencing. CDCR says he was also eligible for credit-earning opportunities while incarcerated, and had served "his full sentence as defined by law.""

"In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of shooting at a man during a high-speed 11-mile car chase in Morgan Hill. The person he chased, Harry Goularte, was accused of molesting Velasquez's 4-year-old son at the time while at a daycare. Goularte's mother, who runs the daycare, and his stepfather were inside the vehicle during the chase. Goularte's stepfather was shot and injured."

"Velasquez pleaded no contest in 2024. Cain Velasquez told the judge during his March 2025 sentencing, he completely agreed with whatever the judge's sentencing sees fit. He called his actions reckless and dangerous. And said that he was truly sorry. ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to his defense attorney, Renee Hessling, and she said, Velazquez is not available for a statement at this time."

Cain Velasquez was released from a Soledad, California prison after serving a five-year sentence for attempted murder, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The 2025 sentence included three years of time served while awaiting sentencing and credited eligible in-prison programs; CDCR stated he served "his full sentence as defined by law." The case originated from a February 2022 high-speed, 11-mile chase in Morgan Hill during which Velasquez was accused of shooting at Harry Goularte, who faced accusations of molesting Velasquez's four-year-old son. Goularte faces a felony charge and has pleaded not guilty; a trial-setting hearing is scheduled for April 15. Velasquez pleaded no contest in 2024, told the judge he agreed with the sentence, described his actions as reckless and dangerous, and expressed remorse. His defense attorney said he was not available for comment.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco