Cain Velasquez is released from prison today?????

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez could be released from prison on February 15, 2026, marking a major development in a legal saga that has drawn national attention and sparked debate within the mixed martial arts community.

Velasquez, 43, was serving a five-year prison sentence for a February 2022 shooting incident in Santa Clara County. Prosecutors said the former fighter chased a vehicle occupied by Harry Goularte Jr. sat, a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son and firing multiple shots during a high-speed, 11-mile chase. Goularte was not hit, but his stepfather was wounded by gunfire.

After pleading guilty to attempted murder and related charges, Velasquez was convicted in March 2025. He was given credit for time spent in jail and under house arrest, making him eligible for parole earlier than originally planned.

Reports confirmed that Velasquez’s parole eligibility date had been pushed back to February 2026, in part due to time served and participation in rehabilitation programs while in prison. His February 15 release is slightly ahead of previous estimates that suggested a March 2026 eligibility period.

According to the latest post on Velasquez’s Instagram page, the former champion may be released this weekend.

“After my release on February 15, I am exploring the idea of ​​hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area,” Velasquez posted on his Instagram account. “Breathwork has been a powerful tool for me – physically, mentally and spiritually – and I would like to share it with others in a focused, intentional setting.”

Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion known for his dominant title reign in the early 2010s, retired from mixed martial arts competition in 2019. His lawsuit provoked strong reactions in the combat sports world, with supporters citing the emotional circumstances surrounding the allegations against Goularte, while critics highlighted the dangers of vigilante justice.

After his release, Velasquez is expected to remain under supervision. In recent social media posts, he indicated plans to focus on personal growth and community involvement, including the opportunity to host wellness and breathwork seminars in the San Jose area.

Goularte’s criminal case related to the alleged abuse is still pending, and civil lawsuits related to the incident are ongoing.

Velasquez’s return to civilian life closes a turbulent chapter for one of MMA’s most recognizable champions and leaves lingering questions about justice, responsibility and the emotional toll of crimes involving children.