In a recent development, Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been released from a correctional facility in Soledad, California. This news was confirmed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to ABC7 Eyewitness News based in San Francisco.
Velasquez’s release comes after he was sentenced in 2025 to a five-year prison term for attempted murder. This sentence accounted for three years he had already spent in custody while awaiting his sentencing. The CDCR noted that Velasquez was eligible for various credit-earning opportunities while incarcerated, and he fulfilled his complete sentence as stipulated by legal requirements.
In February 2022, Velasquez found himself embroiled in a high-profile case after being accused of opening fire during a high-speed car chase spanning 11 miles in Morgan Hill. The incident involved Harry Goularte, who was allegedly running from Velasquez.
The backdrop of this dramatic chase was a deeply personal and distressing accusation against Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s then-4-year-old son at a daycare facility. This daycare was operated by Goularte’s mother, and Goularte’s stepfather was also present inside the targeted vehicle during the chase. Unfortunately, Goularte’s stepfather was shot and sustained injuries.
In the legal proceedings that followed, Goularte was charged with a felony but maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to the charges.
Goularte faced a felony charge in the case, and pleaded not guilty.
According to KGO-TV’s media partner, The San Jose Mercury News, Goularte’s case is still pending and court records show a trial setting hearing scheduled for April 15.
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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.
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