No. Cain Velasquez is no longer in jail. The former UFC heavyweight champion was released on parole from a California state prison on February 15, 2026, after serving roughly 11 months of a five-year sentence for a 2022 vigilante shooting in Morgan Hill.1People. Former UFC Champ Cain Velasquez Released From Prison He now faces four years of supervised probation and a pending restitution hearing.
What He Was Convicted Of
On February 28, 2022, Velasquez led police on an 11-mile high-speed chase through Morgan Hill and San Jose, rammed a Chevrolet Silverado, and fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun at its occupants. His target was Harry Goularte, who had been accused days earlier of molesting Velasquez’s four-year-old son at a home daycare. Goularte was not hit. A bullet struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm and side, severing his brachial artery and a nerve.2USA Today. Cain Velasquez Alleged Shooting Victim Paul Bender
On August 16, 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder, felony assault, and multiple weapons charges. Prosecutors dropped premeditation allegations that had carried a potential mandatory life sentence.3Santa Clara County District Attorney. Former UFC Fighter Pleads No Contest to Vigilante Shooting4ESPN. Cain Velasquez Pleads No Contest to Attempted Murder Judge Arthur Bocanegra of Santa Clara County sentenced him on March 24, 2025, to five years in prison and four years of supervised probation, and he was transferred to state prison in Soledad.5Santa Clara County District Attorney. Former UFC Fighter Sentenced to Prison for Vigilante Shooting
How 11 Months Satisfied a Five-Year Sentence
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Velasquez “received 1,283 days of pre-sentence credit for time served while awaiting sentencing and was eligible for credit-earning opportunities while incarcerated,” and that he was released “after serving his full sentence as defined by law.”1People. Former UFC Champ Cain Velasquez Released From Prison6ABC7 News. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez Released From Prison7ABC7 News. Cain Velasquez Bail Released
What Comes Next Legally
Velasquez is on parole and has four years of supervised probation ahead of him. A restitution hearing was scheduled for June 3, 2026, to determine what he owes Paul Bender and members of the Goularte family.8The Athletic. Cain Velasquez Released on Parole After Attempted Murder Conviction
Separately, Velasquez’s family has filed a civil lawsuit against Harry Goularte, Patricia Goularte, and Paul Bender tied to the molestation allegations. That case is set for a jury trial on November 9, 2026.8The Athletic. Cain Velasquez Released on Parole After Attempted Murder Conviction
What He’s Doing Now
About a month after his release, Velasquez posted his first public statement on Instagram. He thanked supporters, saying the encouragement “constantly just lifted me up, myself and my family,” and said he was focused on readjusting to ordinary life and spending time with his children. He added that he looked forward to “a road of service.”9MMA Junkie. Cain Velasquez Releases Statement After Prison Release
He retired from MMA in 2019 with a 17-3 record. He has been seen back at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose in a coaching role and announced a breathwork seminar in Northern California, saying it does not represent a return to combat sports.10ESPN. Former UFC Champ Cain Velasquez Released From Prison on Parole11Yahoo Sports. Cain Velasquez Shares Emotional Life Update
The Underlying Molestation Case
The criminal case that set everything in motion is separate and remains unresolved. Harry Goularte faces one felony count of lewd acts with a minor under 14 and has pleaded not guilty. He has been out of custody on a supervised own-recognizance release with GPS monitoring since shortly after his February 2022 arrest, over the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s formal opposition. A judge approved a March 9, 2026, trial start date at a November 2025 hearing.12MMA Junkie. Harry Goularte Trial Set in Cain Velasquez Molestation Case3Santa Clara County District Attorney. Former UFC Fighter Pleads No Contest to Vigilante Shooting