Velasquez, 43, pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges last year, stemming from a February 2022 incident which saw the retired fighter embark on a freeway chase in Santa Clara County, CA, ramming another vehicle and shooting an unarmed man. Velasquez’s intended target, Harry Goularte, was not injured in the shooting, and is facing a felony charge of lewd acts of a minor in an incident involving the fighter’s son.

In an attempt to take justice into his own hands, Velasquez wound up shooting Goularte’s stepfather instead, and was sentenced to five years in prison. After being denied bail for an extended period after a judge deemed him a risk to public safety, he wound up securing early release with time served.

Thursday’s statement from Velasquez is his first since being released from custody. The fighter remains on probation.

“Hi everyone. Now that it’s been a couple 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 opened in a video statement posted on social media. “And I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration, of encouragement constantly just lifted me up, myself and my family. So I just want to take this time here to thank everybody for their constant support.”

“You have no idea what your words and your encouragement and your love has meant to me and my family. So just thank you. I’ll keep doing the work to get back to everyone. And just for myself now, just slowly get back out there without- I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with the pace of life that I was getting used to, to now all of a sudden, a new way of life, a new way of living, a new rhythm. So for myself, I just had to kind of get used to it, and I’ve been doing that. So again, just thank you. Thank you. Thank you everyone, and it’s good to be out.”

In addition to his MMA career, which saw win the UFC heavyweight championship twice, Velasquez performed as a professional wrestler for WWE and Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. He was also briefly linked to the ill-fated GFL in a coaching role.

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Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has been incarcerated since facing charges including attempted murder following a February 2022 incident that saw the fighter go rogue and attempt to kill Harry Goularte Jr. Currently facing charges of his own, Goularte Jr. has been accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son, though the matter remains before the courts.

Goularte’s trial is expected to take place next month, and has faced numerous delays, including those due to the actions of Velasquez, who embarked on a freeway chase and shooting spree in 2022 in an attempt to carry out vigilante justice that ultimately saw him shoot an innocent man instead. To make matters worse, Goularte was on his way to be assigned a court-ordered ankle monitor when he was ambushed by Velasquez – in other words, he had been complying with his bail conditions.

As a result, Velasquez was looking at life in prison, which sparked a number of “Free Cain” protests among the MMA fanbase. He was eventually given a five-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to the charges before him.

With time served and potential reductions for good behavior and attending certain programs, it appears Velasquez is getting an early release.

In a statement on behalf of Velasquez published to his official social media account on Saturday, the fighter says that “After my release on February 15th, I’m exploring the idea of hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area.”

A second post notes that the final episode of “Sunday’s with Cain” while the fighter was still incarcerated had arrived. “After 10 months of conversations, reflection, growth, laughter, hard truths, and healing — the chapter we lived together behind the walls comes to a close,” it reads in part.

Cain Velasquez still faces four years of supervised parole.

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First reported by NBC Bay Area.

On Feb 28, 2022, Velasquez shot at a man accused of molesting his son. During the 11-mile car chase Velasquez fired into the vehicle striking the man’s step father. Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges in California.

The sentencing on Monday comes after multiple delays during which his team negotiated a deal with prosecutors to avoid a life sentence.

During a recent interview with Kyle Kingsbury, the former UFC champion expressed that he felt remorse for what he’d done, and would accept the punishment given.

“I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people. Not just people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to pay that back,” he said.

“Whatever the court feels correct for what I have to do, I’m going to do it with my head up and still be me and not play the blame game. It was me that did that and reacted in that way.”

The former UFC heavyweight champion retired from MMA in 2022 with a 14-3 record as a two-time UFC champion. During that run Velasquez beat a list of legendary fighters and hall of famers including Brock Lesnar, Junior dos Santos, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

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Though details of the draft and league format have yet to be officially announced (GFL officials tell Cageside Press that will all come together in the coming weeks), the promotion has confirmed that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has landed a manager spot with one of the league’s six teams.

Velasquez, who has dabbled in pro wrestling since exiting the UFC, is brining AKA coach Javier Mendez along for the ride. The heavyweight recently switched his Not Guilty plea to a No Contest in the criminal case pending against him, stemming from a shooting rampage targeting the alleged perpetrator of sexual abuse again the fighter’s son.

Per a report by MMA Junkie, Velasquez’s sentencing date is the same day as the PFL draft, January 24, 2025.

In addition to the Cain Velasquez news, the GFL has also announced an expanded talent pool of women’s fighters, posting a list of nearly 60 athletes on social media who will be eligible for this month’s draft. Among them, Paige VanZant, previously reported to be linking up with the league, as well as former Bellator champ Julia Budd, ex-Invicta champ and UFC fighter Tonya Evinger, former WSOF champ and UFC strawweight Jessica Aguilar, ex-UFC title challenger Jessica Penne, ONE Championship alum Bi Nguyen, and UFC alums Cynthia Calvillo, Tamires Vidal, Hannah Goldy, Mara Romero Borella, and Pannie Kianzad, among others.

“We’re thrilled to announce 58 extraordinary athletes that have signed with the GFL to shape the future of MMA in the first-ever co-ed, team-based league,” promotion officials wrote in a brief statement. “These athletes are ready to make history at the January 24 Draft, where they will have the opportunity to be selected by one of six teams, competing side by side with their male counterparts and sharing equal revenue – a historic first in combat-sports!”

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Velasquez, who in February of 2022 went on a high-speed shooting rampage in San Jose targeting a man accused of molesting his son, was facing life in prison. However, having accepted a plea deal, the fighter will plead No Contest to attempted murder and multiple firearms-related crimes.

In exchange, premeditation allegations have been dropped by prosecutors, meaning a mandatory life sentence if convicted is no longer in play.

Velasquez will be convicted of the charges against him as a result of the plea, with sentencing to come at a later date. The East Bay Times first reported news of the deal on Friday.

A sentencing hearing of October 18, 2024 has been set for Velasquez, with the matter no longer headed to trial.

Cain Velasquez missed his intended target, Harry Goularte, in the February 2022 high speed chase and shooting, instead wounding another occupant of the vehicle Goularte was in. The charges against Goularte, who was on bail at the time of the incident, have yet to be proven in court. He has pleaded not guilty to a single felony count of lewd acts with a child stemming from a daycare operation run by Goularte’s mother.

A trial setting hearing for Goularte is expected later this month.

The victim in the Velasquez shooting, Paul Bender, expressed his dissatisfaction with the plea deal on Friday, per the East Bay Times.

“In a case like today when he changes his plea to guilty to 10 violent felonies involving a gun, and our system allows him to go free?” Bender is quoted as saying. “How in God’s name is that possible? I’m looking for someone to explain that to me.”

“This defendant decided to become judge, jury, and executioner. His actions endangered innocent bystanders, including young children and their parents who could have been injured or killed as he shot at his intended victim,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated.

Velasquez’s attempt at taking Goularte’s life came a full three days following the latter’s release on bail. Goularte had been traveling to be assigned a court-ordered ankle monitor, per the conditions of his release, at the time of the attack, leading to the D.A. to initially push the premeditation angle as it pertained to Velasquez.

After initially being jailed without bond and sparking a #FreeCain movement online, Velasquez was released on strict bail conditions in November of 2022.

Velasquez is a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, holding the title in 2010 before losing it to Junior Dos Santos the following year. He reclaimed gold in 2012, avenging the loss to Dos Santos, and defended the belt twice before being dethroned a second time, this time by Fabricio Werdum.

The American Kickboxing Academy fighter last competed in 2019, suffering a definitive loss at the hands of Francis Ngannou. Since then, he has embarked on a pro wrestling career, competing briefly for WWE, which saw him work a program with old UFC rival Brock Lesnar.

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The trial date was set on Wednesday by Judge Elizabeth Peterson, with Velasquez appearing in court in person alongside his attorney. Velasquez is currently free on bail after being accused of attempted murder following a high-speed chase that saw him fire shots into another vehicle.

MMA Fighting was among the outlets first reporting the news.

The fighter, who jumped to pro wrestling and the WWE following his UFC career, missed his intended target, Harry Goularte, who is himself facing charges stemming from accusations of sexual abuse involving a child believed to be Velasquez’s son. Instead, Velasquez shot and wounded another man present in the vehicle.

A third victim, a female also present in the vehicle, was unharmed.

Goularte was reportedly on his way to receive a court-ordered monitoring bracelet at the time of the incident. None of the allegations against Velasquez or Goularte have been proven in court.

Velasquez was initially jailed without bail following the February 2022 incident after a judge deemed him a risk to society, leading to a #FreeCain movement on social media among fans and even in-person protests. He spent eight months in custody prior to a $1 million dollar bail sum being accepted by the court.

In June of 2022, the ex-UFC heavyweight champ initiated a lawsuit against the man accused of molesting his son. That case has yet to work its way through the courts. Goularte was allegedly living at a home housing the daycare which Velasquez’s son attended, according to court records. The lawsuit also targets the owners of the daycare, run by Goularte’s mother.

In a court filing for the lawsuit, Velasquez claimed the daycare “fostered and maintained an environment” that allowed children to be abused.

At Wednesday’s hearing, counsel for Velasquez, Renee Hessling, requested the matter be adjourned due to the collection of subpoena evidence being incomplete. The court had previously granted a continuance for that reason, but declined to do so again this week.

Defense and prosecution attorneys had at one point been in talks regarding the possibility of a plea bargain for the fighter, though to this point, no such deal has emerged. A trial readiness hearing is now set for June 26.

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News of the decision was first reported by MMA Junkie.

Velasquez, 40, is out on $1 million bail on charges including attempted murder with a deadly weapon. He was limited to staying at home, but that will be temporarily waived for this event.

Judge Arthur Bocanegra granted Velasquez’s request to participate in the event after hearing from the defense attorney. Velasquez will not be required to wear GPS monitoring during the event, but will be required to hire and pay for a police officer to travel with him.

The district attorney did object to the motion, but was ultimately overruled.

Velasquez will participate at AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide in Tempe on Dec. 3rd at Mullet Arena which is home to the Arizona State Sun Devils where he wrestled in college.

Velasquez has wrestled for AAA before following a short run in WWE.

He faces seven charges including attempted murder when he allegedly chased and shot at the man accused of molestation of his 4-year-old son. Velasquez allegedly shot the step-father of the accused during the chase.

Velasquez next hearing will be Dec.28th.

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MMAJunkie first reported the news.

Velasquez, 40, is charged with 10 counts including first-degree attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. On day 2 of the hearing Judge Bocanegra ruled on two motions brought forth by the defense.

The first motion was to dismiss count 1 which is attempted premeditated murder. After a 45-minute recess Judge Bocanegra ruled that Velasquez would face that count at trial, but that an argument that “crime of passion” could be applicable should more evidence surface.

The second motion from the defense was for bail. Attorney Mark Geragos argued that Velasquez is not a threat to Henry Goularte faces a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor in a separate trial.

Aaron French, who represents the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office argued that Velasquez is a threat to Goularte “as long as he’s alive.” He asked Judge Bocanegra to deny bail once again.

In an animated argument in favor of granting Velasquez’s bail, Geragos went over the events of the day in detail. Geragos spoke on Velasquez’s cooperation with authorities from the moment of his arrest up to this point, and pointed out that Velasquez was not “caught” but gave himself up on his own.

Geragos then went after French saying the DA’s attorney spoke of a “parade of horribles” that never happened, but French had argued “could” have happened.

French responded by saying his arguments had been misrepresented by the defense.

After a 10-minute recess Judge Bocanegra granted Velasquez’s bail of $1 million. Judge Bocanegra detailed Velasquez’s lack of criminal history, lack of flight risk, and stipulations that had previously been put in place.

MMA Junkie’s Nolan King has been reporting on the trial all along and updates can be found from him here.

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Velasquez entered a not guilty plea to multiple charges Friday morning before Judge Jessica Delgado at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. The former fighter, 40, stands accused of attempted murder and related charges after allegedly going on a rampage this past February that included a high speed chase on a San Jose highway, in pursuit of a man alleged to have assaulted a minor relative of Velasquez.

None of the charges, against Velasquez or the accused in the case of the fighter’s relative, have been proven in court. However, in the case of Velasquez, police reports noted that in in carrying out the attack, which involved firing live rounds at a fleeing vehicle, Velasquez struck the wrong man, instead hitting the intended victim’s step father.

Velasquez has been held without bail since his arrest, a matter that is currently set for appeal.

Per a report by MMA Junkie, Velasquez will return to court August 29 for an in-camera hearing in private chambers. A pre-trial hearing is set for September 26.

In addition to attempted murder, Velasquez faces the following criminal charges:

• shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft (one count)
• assault with a firearm (three counts)
• assault with a deadly weapon (three counts)
• willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle (one count)
• carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony (one count)

If convicted, the ex-UFC star, who more recently had embarked on a professional wrestling career, faces twenty years to life in prison.

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Velasquez’s defense team offered that their client would agree to a bail amount of $1 million, wearing of tracking technology, and remaining under supervised house arrest.

Velasquez stands accused of attempted murder after he allegedly chased down a vehicle carrying an accused child molester, firing a .40 caliber handgun into it. He was arrested on Feb. 28 without incident and charged.

The defense had filed documents, later cited by Judge Shelyna Brown, that Velasquez’s actions could have been affected by traumatic brain injury and possibly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Brown declined to consider the claims by the defense in whether or not Velasquez would get bail.

Paul Bender, the man Velasquez is accused of shooting, appeared via video conference and gave an update on his health. He stated that his brachial artery was severed due to the shooting, and he was unable to use three of his fingers.

“Cain Velasquez has no respect for human life. He does not care about the rule of law. If given the opportunity, I think he will try to finish what he started,” Bender said. Bender was not the intended target of Velasquez, who had instead been pursuing his stepson.

Deputy district attorney Aaron French said that, because the victim survived, he and his family were still in danger from Velasquez.

“Look at the things [Velasquez] was willing to do. This is different than a murder case, where the victim is still there and still alive,” he said.

 Next up for Velasquez is a formal plea hearing set for June 10^th.

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